A serious incident in a picturesque North Yorkshire market town left two women injured, one of whom required an airlift to hospital after reportedly becoming trapped beneath a farming vehicle.
Incident Details on Bridge Street
The collision occurred at approximately 12:30pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, on Bridge Street in Helmsley. According to initial reports, a large tractor, which was pulling a trailer loaded with manure, mounted the pavement in an evasive manoeuvre.
A local worker informed the BBC that the tractor driver appeared to take action to avoid a car that had pulled up suddenly. "I was told it ended up on the footpath," the witness stated, highlighting the sudden nature of the event that disrupted the quiet market town.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Emergency services rushed to the scene following the collision. One woman sustained serious injuries and was found trapped beneath the tractor. Due to the severity of her condition, a helicopter was dispatched to airlift her to hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The second woman involved also suffered injuries. The exact nature and extent of both injuries have not been officially disclosed by authorities at this early stage. The road, Bridge Street, remained closed for a significant period to allow for emergency operations and initial investigations.
Ongoing Investigation and Town Impact
North Yorkshire Police have been notified and are expected to be leading the investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the accident. Officers will likely examine factors including vehicle speed, road conditions, and witness statements.
Incidents of this nature are rare in market towns like Helmsley, which typically experience bustling but orderly foot and road traffic. The event has raised immediate questions about pedestrian safety on streets that often see a mix of heavy agricultural vehicles, cars, and shoppers. Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses and the condition of the injured becomes clearer.