From the Harvard Fire Protection District:
Harvard Fire News Release: Tractor Overturn Traps Elderly Man in Water for Hours
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2:47 p.m., the Harvard Fire Protection District was dispatched to the area of Bunker Hill Road and Island Road in unincorporated Harvard for a report of a motor vehicle accident with entrapment.
While responding, crews were advised that a tractor had overturned into a body of water, trapping an individual underneath.
Due to the serious nature of the incident, additional assistance was requested from Marengo, Woodstock, Boone County District 3, Mercyhealth MD-1, and the closest available medical helicopter was also requested to respond.
Upon arrival at the intersection, firefighters were met by a caller and guided nearly a mile onto a rural property.
Access to the scene was extremely limited, with rough terrain and no paved roadway.
Most equipment had to be transported using pickup trucks or all-wheel-drive utility vehicles to reach the location.
Once on scene, firefighters confirmed that an elderly male was pinned beneath the overturned tractor, with only his head visible above the water.
Crews immediately initiated a coordinated rescue operation.
Using chains and a heavy-duty front loader, firefighters were able to lift the tractor just enough to free the patient within 25 minutes of their arrival.
The man had suffered critical injuries when the tractor rolled and had been exposed to the water for an extended period.
It is believed he had been trapped for nearly three hours before being discovered by family members.
Due to the duration he remained under water and considering his age, UW Health Med Flight airlifted the patient directly from the scene to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford for further treatment.
The Harvard Fire Protection District extends sincere appreciation to the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts, Woodstock Fire/Rescue District, Boone County District 3, Fontana Fire Department, Mercyhealth MD-1, UW Health Med Flight, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, and NERCOM dispatchers for their critical assistance in supporting this remote and complex rescue effort.
Photos are courtesy of the Harvard Fire Protection District.
