Report: Indiana farm deaths increase in 2014 to 25

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) – Statistics from Purdue University show an increase in farm fatalities in Indiana last year.

The school released data Wednesday from its 2014 Indiana Farm Fatality Summary. It says there were 25 farm-related deaths in Indiana last year – up from 18 from the previous year.

Even though there was an increase the university’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program says a downward trend continues since 1970. Experts say that’s likely because of a decline in the number people working on farms. The Indiana farm fatality rate is an estimated 17.5 per 100,000 workers compared to 25.4 per 100,000 nationally.

About a third of the Indiana farm deaths were attributed to overturned tractors and 16 involved farm machinery. Other fatality causes included fires, smoke inhalation, drowning and falling trees.