Times-Chronicle Staff
The driver of a tractor suffered serious injuries after being pinned under the machine during a rollover north of Oliver on Sunday.
Police received a 911 call at 5:45 p.m. regarding a farm tractor that went off the road on Highway 97 near Bettison Road.
First responders (firefighters and paramedics) attended and found a male trapped under the tractor. They worked hand-in-hand to extricate the male who was airlifted to Kelowna hospital with serious injuries.
“Alcohol is suspected to be a factor and the matter remains under investigation,” said Oliver RCMP Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth,
Oliver Fire Department spokesman Rob Graham said crews stabilized the tractor using ropes and assisted paramedics with removing the patient.
The highway was shut down during the rescue.
Graham said the patient was conscious and alert for most of the ordeal. Thankfully, a fence post prevented the tractor from rolling over completely and causing further injury to the driver, he pointed out. Crews had to cut part of the steering wheel in order to remove the patient, he noted.
An air ambulance was dispatched and was able to land close to the scene in a nearby orchard.
