Swiss Farmer Dies in Tragic Power Take-Off Accident

ST-LIVRES, Switzerland — A 57-year-old man died in a devastating farm accident Friday morning in the Swiss village of St-Livres, Canton of Vaud, after his clothing became entangled in the powerful rotating mechanism of a tractor’s power take-off (PTO) shaft.

The Canton Vaud Police reported that the man, identified as a Swiss national, was working on a farm when the incident occurred around 11 a.m. For reasons that remain under investigation, he was positioned between his tractor and an attached trailer when his left jacket sleeve was caught by the running PTO shaft, a critical piece of machinery used to transfer power from the tractor engine to implements.

The rotating mechanism quickly trapped his arm, leading to critical injuries. Emergency services, including paramedics and a REGA rescue helicopter, responded rapidly to the scene. Despite their swift efforts and the man’s immediate evacuation to the University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

Investigation Underway

The local public prosecutor’s office has been informed of the fatal accident and has initiated an official investigation. The Vaud Cantonal Police have been tasked with leading the inquiry to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragic loss of life.

Agricultural work, while essential for global food security, consistently ranks among the most hazardous professions worldwide. Machinery accidents, particularly those involving PTO shafts, are a leading cause of severe injury and fatality on farms. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers and the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and awareness when operating heavy farm equipment.

Emergency Response

The multi-agency emergency response to the St-Livres farm included:

• Multiple police patrols from the Canton Vaud Police
• An ambulance and emergency medical team from the Morges-Aubonne rescue service (SMUR)
• A helicopter from the REGA Swiss Air-Rescue service

Authorities have not released further details regarding the identity of the victim as the investigation continues.