National News Desk

Four Killed, Dozens Injured in Tractor Engine Explosion

Posted by Staff Writer
Monday, July 30, 2001 12:00 AM EST
Category: Protecting Your Family
Tags: Property Owners Liability (Slip and Fall), Amusement Parks and Roller Coasters

A massive explosion killed four people and injured dozens others, some critically, at a county fair in Medina, Ohio last evening. Witnesses tell InjuryBoard.com that an antique tractor engine exploded about 6:30 p.m., sending shrapnel and hot oil flying into the air. The tractor engine, built in 1918 and steam operated, was being positioned in an exhibit of antique farm equipment when the accident occurred. Authorities are calling the explosion an accident and they do not suspect fowl play.

Killed in the explosion were Cliff Kovacic, 45; his son, William, 27; Alan Kimble, 46; and Dennis Jungbluth, 58. Dozens of other victims were airlifted to numerous area hospitals. Most injuries involved severe burns, broken bones, and shrapnel wounds. One witness told InjuryBoard.com that pieces of the steam engine weighing ten pounds or more were found up to 100 yards from the scene.

Local officials vowed that the fair would go on as scheduled. This tragic accident is not the first to occur at the Medina fair. Last year, thirty people became ill after consuming refreshments contaminated with E. coli bacteria.


No Comments

Comments for this article are closed.

About the National News Desk

Our mission is to seek the complete truth and provide a full and fair account of the events and issues that surround personal safety, accident prevention, and injury recovery.  We are committed to serving the public with honesty and integrity in these efforts.

Hurt in an accident? Contact InjuryBoard.com

Subscribe to Blog Updates

Enter your email address if you would like to receive email notifications when comments are made on this post.

Email address

Subscribe

RSS Feed

Add the National News Desk to your favorite RSS reader

Add to Google Reader Add to myYahoo Add to myMSN Add to Bloglines Add to Newsgator Add to Netvibes Add to Pageflakes