Member of public killed by excavator on farm
© Tim Scrivener A member of the public has died after being struck by an excavator being operated in a farm field in Bedfordshire.
Initial notifications indicate that the man was hit by the machine while it was in use on agricultural land on 5 January, in what is being treated as a transport-related incident involving heavy farm equipment.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the incident, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
See also: Machinery event delivers stark farm safety plea
Bedfordshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have launched inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said: “Officers were called shortly before 5pm on Monday 5 January to a field on Bridle Way, Toddington, to reports of a man who had been injured by a digger.
“Emergency services attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification remains underway, however next of kin have been informed.
“Police enquiries are ongoing and detectives are working alongside the Health and Safety Executive and the coroner to establish the full circumstances.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Bedfordshire Police on 101 or report online quoting “Op Teyr”.
Jill Hewitt, chief executive of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), described the news as “depressingly familiar,” noting early in 2026 that this was the first HSE-reported farm fatality of the year.
She highlighted a worrying tally of 27 farm fatalities in Great Britain since 1 April 2025, including three children, and urged the farming sector to adopt stronger safety practices and culture change to prevent further loss of life.
The NAAC continues to campaign for improved awareness and safer practices across UK agriculture.
Agriculture ‘worst fatality rate’
The HSE reports that agriculture has the worst workplace fatality rate of all industries, with dozens of deaths annually, often involving vehicles or moving machinery.
Heavy machinery, such as excavators and telehandlers, is among the most dangerous activities on farms, with official figures showing that accidents involving moving vehicles remain a leading cause of fatal injuries in agriculture
Industry safety messages emphasise segregating people and vehicles, ensuring proper training and competence for operators, routine vehicle maintenance, strict Safe Stop procedures, and medical fitness checks for machinery users.