PLAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A 5-year-old child has died following a tragic accident involving heavy equipment at a Stark County residence on Sunday afternoon.
According to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified around 3:40 p.m. after an injured child was transported to Mercy Hospital.
Investigators say the incident occurred at a home along the 2400 block of Bur Oak Street NE in Plain Township. Preliminary findings indicate the child’s father was operating a compact earth-moving machine in the backyard while the child’s mother was inside the residence.
Authorities said the child later went outside while the equipment was being used. At some point, the father was backing up the machine and discovered the child on the ground with critical injuries.
The father immediately transported the child to Mercy Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Officials also reported the father sustained injuries after jumping from the machine and was treated at the hospital.
The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation by the Stark County Sheriff’s Office and the Stark County Coroner’s Office.
No additional information has been released at this time.
