One dead in land-clearing accident

FLOWERS, Miss. (VDN) — One person has died as a result of an accident while clearing land in an area between Flowers and Oak Ridge.

According to Sheriff Martin Pace, just before 4 p.m., a call came into the Vicksburg Warren 911 Call Center reporting an accident on a piece of land off of Youngton Road. The accident happened in a field well off Youngton Road, near its intersection with Hannah Road.

The 26-year-old victim was operating a piece of equipment referred to as a skid steer. This particular unit was equipped with a saw used for clearing timber. While operating that piece of equipment, “A tree penetrated the front windshield and struck the victim,” said Sheriff Pace. “This was called in by a co-worker who was working on another piece of equipment nearby. He called 911 and attempted to get the victim out of the piece of equipment, but was unsuccessful.”

The as-yet-unidentified 26-year-old Hinds County resident was deceased when deputies and paramedics arrived.

The event is still under investigation but there is no reason to believe foul play was involved, according to Sheriff Pace.