| Seventy-year-old Neil Abercromby, from the Forfar area, was spreading seed in a field near Glencarse when his tractor tumbled down a steep hill.
Witnesses, who described hearing a “loud bang”, said he was crushed by the large seed drilling machine, which was torn from the vehicle as it fell.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, near Pitlowie House, shortly before 5.30pm yesterday.
Fire crews fought to free Mr Abercromby from the wreckage but paramedics pronounced him dead on arrival.
Police officers secured the area to begin investigations into how the accident occurred. It is as yet unclear what caused the tractor to roll over.
It is believed Mr Abercromby worked for an agricultural firm who leased the land from the owners of Pitlowie House.
Tayside Fire and Rescue remained on the scene late into the night to ensure it was safe. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
The National Farmers Union have warned the tragedy is a bitter reminder that deaths on farms are “appallingly” common across the UK.
No fewer than 38 farm workers died on UK farms last year.
An NFU Scotland spokesman said, “One death on a Scottish farm is one death too many.
“This tragic accident is a sharp reminder to all who work in the industry that farming remains the most dangerous occupation in the country.
“With harvest just around the corner, farmers and their staff need to ensure their equipment is properly maintained and all users are properly trained in how any piece of machinery operates.
“Last year, 38 farmers and their staff were killed on UK farms — that is an appalling statistic but the reality is that most of these deaths were avoidable.”
A relative of Mr Abercromby today said his family were too distressed to talk about the tragic incident. |
