A preschool’s field trip to a western Wisconsin apple orchard turned tragic Wednesday when a tractor-pulled hay wagon overturned on a hill, leaving three victims with life-threatening injuries. In all, at least 17 people — both children and adults — were rushed from the scene near Chippewa Falls by ambulance, and one victim was evacuated by helicopter. Others were transported to area hospitals by personal vehicle. There were no fatalities reported. WQOW-TV in Eau Claire identified the prekindergarten school as St. Mark Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. Principal Peter J. Micheel issued a statement to the TV station: “At this time, we are trusting the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department as their members were at the scene. At this point, we are focusing on reuniting the children with their caregivers. Whenever we face a challenging time, we commit everything to the Lord’s care and trust his guiding hand.” During a news conference, Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes said the wagon ride took place Wednesday morning at an orchard in Lafayette. Two wagons were being pulled by a tractor on the orchard’s property when overturned on a downhill slope. KSTP-TV identified the business as the Bushel and a Peck Apple Orchard. “It’s a parent’s greatest fear that something like that happens to their children, especially when they’re young like that,” Hakes said. “The children were extremely brave, very resilient. … The chaperones and the parents that were at the scene had plans, they had a list of children and contact information that was instrumental in reuniting the parents with the children.” The incident drew emergency response from at least 10 agencies, including Mayo Clinic Health Systems, the Chippewa Falls Fire Department and others activated through Chippewa County Emergency Management. In addition to the three victims with life-threatening injuries, five people suffered serious injuries. The incident remains under investigation. Related Articles Crime & Public Safety | St. Croix County Health Care Campus safe from sale, board members say Crime & Public Safety | Hudson Bloody Mary Walk to support hot air balloon festival Crime & Public Safety | Letters: ‘Hey Communists, go home!’ a male voice from the crowd yelled Crime & Public Safety | Rosemount man dies in Wisconsin motorcycle crash Crime & Public Safety | Cottage Grove man drowns at western Wisconsin’s Kinnickinnic State Park