A 17-year-old farm worker, Luke Searle, tragically lost his life in a farming accident caused by faulty machinery, according to a recent jury verdict. The incident occurred in June 2022 on a farm in Plympton, Devon, where Luke was operating a tractor and a baling machine used for wrapping cut grass for animal feed. While investigating a malfunction with the bale wrapper, Luke became trapped in the machine, leading to fatal injuries.
The jury’s findings revealed that on the evening of June 22, 2022, Luke sustained serious injuries while wrapping hay bales on Sherwell Farm in Plympton, Devon. The malfunctioning wrapping machine, which likely led to the incident, did not have a Safe Stop procedure in place. During Luke’s investigation, the dispenser arms unexpectedly restarted, trapping him and causing severe chest and abdominal injuries. Despite receiving on-site medical treatment, Luke succumbed to his injuries.
Following the tragic accident, a joint investigation by the police and the Health and Safety Executive was launched due to Luke’s young age. Farm owner James Williams discovered Luke trapped in the baler and unconscious after noticing the machinery was not functioning correctly. Despite efforts to save him, including CPR administered by Luke’s brother William, Luke was pronounced dead at the scene. The inquest also revealed the close relationship between Luke’s family and the Williams family, who had been longtime friends.
Luke, a student at Duchy College in Cornwall, was pursuing a land-based engineering course with practical training conducted on the farm. Health and Safety Executive inspector Simon Jones highlighted a problem with the bale wrapper arms, which led Luke to investigate the fault. Unfortunately, the arms restarted unexpectedly, leading to the fatal accident.
During the inquest, it was disclosed that Luke had not followed safety protocols by not activating the ‘Safe Stop’ mode before examining the machinery. The jury emphasized the importance of isolating power, switching off the engine, and putting controls in neutral before attempting any repairs.
Coroner Nicholas Lane described the close bond between the Searle brothers and their shared passion for farming. Luke was remembered as a sociable and well-liked young man who was dedicated to his work. The inquest concluded with a verdict of accidental death, bringing closure to the proceedings.