Over the weekend a young teenager was killed and 22 injured in a Hayride accident that occurred in Mechanic Falls at Gauntlet Haunted Hayride. One person was airlifted by Life Flight to receive medical assistance and later passed away after arriving at an area hospital. Most of the passengers on the trailer at the time were Messalonsekk High School Students. Maine State Police shared approximately 30 people were on the ride, including the driver. The driver was one of the most seriously injured.

Maine State Police are still investigating but shared the hay wagon pulled by the Jeep lost control, sped down the hill, struck a tree, and overturned. They are looking into the Jeep for mechanical problems as the cause of the accident.

In Maine a license is not needed to operate a Hayride and not regulated by a state agency.

Virginia law - Code of Virginia § 3.2-6400).

Defines Agritourism as “any activity carried out on a farm or ranch that allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities, including farming, wineries, ranching, historical, cultural, harvest-your-own activities, or natural activities and attractions. An activity is an Agritourism Activity whether or not the participant paid to participate in the activity.”

To find more information specifically on the Agritourism please visit Virginia Cooperative Extension. All operators involved in Agritourism in Virginia are required to post the following warning - Code of Virginia § 3.1-796.139

Locally last year, at the Layman Family Farms Pumpkin Picking and a Corn Maze Activities, six people were injured riding on the back of a hayride trailer. Two of the passengers had to be air lifted to the trauma center and one person was also transported by ambulance. Officials reported two people fell out of the trailer and were trapped underneath in the water before being removed. They also reported three others were taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for injuries that was non-life threatening.

These laws may be difficult to understand so just remember if you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, please give us a call today to schedule a consultation with a Norfolk personal injury attorney, please visit the website and fill out the convenient online form.