Missing Farmer, 67, Found Dead Under Tractor in Lokeren

A 67-year-old farmer from Lokeren in East Flanders was found dead on Wednesday afternoon, July 15, trapped under his tractor in a ditch near the Dutch border. The man had been reported missing since Monday evening, July 13, and authorities believe he drowned after his vehicle overturned into the water.

Discovery After Two-Day Search

The farmer’s lifeless body was discovered in the early afternoon along Beukendreef in Koewacht, a border village near the Netherlands, according to Het Laatste Nieuws. The search operation, which had been underway since the farmer was reported missing, employed a drone that ultimately located the victim in the remote agricultural area.

VRT NWS reported that the man had been working alone when his tractor and attached trailer ended up in a ditch. He became trapped between the tractor and the trailer, pinned just below the water surface, and was unable to free himself. Initial findings suggest drowning as the cause of death.

Official Response

The East Flanders public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into the circumstances of the death but has ruled out any third-party involvement. “It’s a tragic accident,” the prosecutor’s office stated, as quoted by HLN. The investigation confirmed that there are no indications pointing to the involvement of others in the incident.

Broader Context: Agricultural Safety in Flanders

This tragic incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by farmers working alone with heavy machinery. According to a February 2026 report from the Flemish Agency for Agriculture and Maritime Fisheries, based on FEDRIS data, 364 work-related accidents were registered on Flemish farms in 2024 — an average of one accident per day in the agricultural sector.

The report, covered by VILT, reveals that 74 of these accidents (20%) led to permanent disability, while 160 cases (44%) resulted in temporary incapacity. Experts warn that the actual figures are likely higher, as the data only covers accidents involving employees, not farm owners or seasonal workers — who often perform the most risk-intensive tasks.

Prevent Agri, the agricultural safety advisory body, notes that loss of control over machinery, vehicles, tools, or animals is the most common cause of farm accidents. Falls due to slipping or tripping are also significant risks. “Many accidents happen during daily tasks,” the organization explains. “Because these tasks are so familiar, carelessness often creeps in.” Routine, fatigue, time pressure, and lack of proper instructions contribute to persistent safety risks in the sector.

Recent Tractor Incidents in the Region

This fatality follows another tractor-related tragedy in the same region just weeks earlier. On May 26, 2026, a 37-year-old cyclist was fatally struck by a tractor at a railway crossing in Lokeren, as reported by VRT NWS. The tractor driver fled the scene but was later arrested.

What’s Next

The identity of the victim has not been publicly released by authorities at the time of reporting. The investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident continues, though officials have confirmed they do not suspect foul play. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in agricultural work, particularly for those operating heavy machinery alone in remote areas.

As Flanders continues to grapple with an average of one workplace accident per day in its agricultural sector, safety advocates emphasize the importance of proper training, equipment maintenance, and awareness — especially for the farmers and seasonal workers who remain the backbone of the region’s food production.