HANCOCK COUNTY, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A 32-year-old woman is dead and at least 17 others were injured in a weekend hayride accident in downstate Illinois.
The accident happened in Hancock County, Illinois, which is in the west-central portion of the state along the Mississippi River north of Quincy.
Illinois State Police troopers were called to the scene at County Road 2000 North and County Road 800 East at about 9 p.m. Saturday.
Police said between 20 to 25 people, who were attending a family event, went on a hayrack ride. The driver lost control on an incline, causing the tractor and the wagon to slide into a ravine, WGEM reported. The driver along with multiple passengers were ejected from the tractor.
The Hancock County Coroner identified the person who died as 32-year-old Amy Swinderman from Hamilton, Illinois.
According to Illinois State Police, three adults and 16 children - with ages ranging from 1 to 12 - were passengers on the hayrack ride. All but two children were taken to the hospital with injuries. ISP said one of the children suffered significant injuries.
According to a GoFundMe page, Amy Swinderman was a wife and mom to three daughters.
"Amy was a loving wife and mother. She was an amazing friend with a beautiful soul. She was the light that filled the room with her presence. A smile that made a difference and brought you comfort. With all of the emotional pain and stress that a death brings, it also brings financial burdens. We are trying to raise money for Josh and their children to help with any costs that will incur and to help wherever needed. We thank you in advance," the GoFundMe page reads.
The driver of the tractor was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
Investigators said the tractor was undersized for the ride.
