Hayride operator on drink-drive charge

OHIO – An American hayride operator is facing drink-driving charges after the farm tractor he was driving veered off the road…

OHIO – An American hayride operator is facing drink-driving charges after the farm tractor he was driving veered off the road and flipped one of the wagons it was towing, injuring 28 passengers, two of them seriously.

The Ohio state police said Michael Hermes (47) was pulling between 60 and 80 people in two straw-filled wagons late on Saturday night when he drove off the right side of a road, causing the rear wagon to overturn.

Mr Hermes, who was not injured, refused to take a field sobriety test, the police said. He was arrested and booked into the county jail. – (Reuters)

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter