Tragedy on the farm as boy, 3, is killed by dad’s truck
A BOY aged three was accidentally killed by his father who hit him with a truck as he rode his new bike on the family farm.
Ianto Jenkins died from suspected crush injuries after he was struck by Guto Sior Jenkins’ pick-up.
Mr Jenkins, 31, was said to be ‘completely devastated’ by the tragedy on Tuesday. Emergency services rushed to the dairy farm, but could not save the boy.
His grandmother Meinir, 61, said: “No one is to blame. Ianto was playing on his new bike in the back yard and my son just didn’t know he was there.
“He didn’t see him. He heard the sound of his pick-up hitting something and when he stopped and got out to look Ianto was lying on the ground motionless.
“It is just heartbreaking. Poor Guto – I don’t know how he’s going to live with this. He is completely devastated.”
Mr Jenkins runs a topsoil business from the 270-acre farm in Efailwen, Pembrokeshire, and uses large pick-up trucks to shift the earth. The grandmother described Ianto as the ‘most beautiful, happy boy in the world’. She added: ‘He loved being around the farm machines and was always happiest when he was sitting next to his dad on a tractor or riding in the truck with him. He too wanted to be a farmer when he grew up.’
Police were last night investigating the tragedy as friends comforted the family. One said in a message: ‘Deepest sympathy to you and the family. I can’t imagine such an nightmare, but I can ensure that all your family, your friends, the people of Efailwen and the whole of Wales are thinking about you and the family at this dark hour in your life. Take comfort from the sweet memories you have and try to keep strong.’
Another wrote: ‘Thinking of you and your family. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. Keep strong.’ Minister and county councillor Huw George said the community had been rocked by the death. He said: ‘One strong point of this community is that it’s strong – it’s close.
‘People will be there and sense when help is needed. If people ask for help, they will get it.’
Local farmer and shop owner Carwyn James said everyone in the area was shocked. He spoke of the ‘pain this poor family are going through at the moment’, adding: ‘It’s an amazing place to raise children on a farm, but with it there are dangers. It’s just so terribly sad.’ A police spokesman said that the tragedy happened on the farm at 7pm on Tuesday.
He explained: ‘An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing and the family is being supported by specialist officers. The Health and Safety Executive and coroner have been informed. Nobody else was injured.’