Tragic Indiana Accident Highlights Farm Equipment Safety

By Andi Anderson

A tragic farming accident in Jackson County, Indiana, has brought renewed attention to farm safety. A 4-year-old boy, Maverick Flinn, and his 68-year-old great-grandmother lost their lives after being struck by a farm combine.

While the investigation is ongoing, experts say such incidents are rare and highlight the importance of caution and education around heavy farm equipment.

“Combines today in the field are incredibly safe,” said Bill Field, a safety specialist with Purdue Extension. “They look monstrous. They cost a million dollars. There are just a lot of blind spots around them.”

Despite their size and complexity, modern combines are designed with safety in mind. However, Field emphasized the dangers of young children being near large machinery. Vibration and loud noise from equipment can cause long-term hearing damage, and visibility limitations create high risks in busy fields.

Field, who contributed to the 2023 Indiana Farm Fatality Summary, noted that farm-related deaths involving children have declined in recent years due to expanded safety education. In both 2022 and 2023, no farm-related fatalities were reported among children aged 1 to 17 in Indiana.

Purdue University has been active in farm safety outreach through programs like “GEARING UP for Safety.” This initiative provides materials and training for students and teachers on how to safely work around farm machinery. According to Field, around 300 teachers access these materials weekly, with popular topics including tractor parts identification and maintenance.

“We can't be everywhere,” Field said. “So we're excited about having that many teachers every week, somehow pulling stuff down, using lessons.”

While funding cuts have reduced some safety programs, Purdue’s continued commitment helps raise awareness and prevent future tragedies. The loss in Jackson County serves as a reminder of the need to stay vigilant and prioritize safety on farms — especially for children.

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