Boy Struck, Seriously Injured By Bobcat Tractor In Pepperell

PEPPERELL (CBS) – A 12-year-old boy was seriously injured when he was hit by Bobcat tractor in Pepperell on Wednesday.

Police say the boy's nine-year-old brother was operating the machine when he was struck. It appears he slid on ice and fell into the path of the Bobcat which was backing up at the time.

The boy suffered upper leg injuries and was rushed to the Nashoba Valley Medical Center. He was later taken by medical helicopter to Mass. General Hospital.

The Bobcat is owned by the victim's family.

"It's not an uncommon practice with this type of situation on private property, that's how kids learn how to drive these things," Pepperell Police Chief David Scott said. "But nine years old is awful young."

The boy's injuries are considered to be serious but non life-threatening.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Safety is investigating the accident. Police say you are required to have a driver's license and a hoisting license to legally operate a Bobcat.