A tragic farming accident east of Lethbridge near the town of Bow Island on Tuesday has left a young boy dead and injured another.
RCMP said they were called to a farm northwest of Bow Island around 5:15 pm.
A 47-year-old man, who was a hired employee of the farm, was operating a payloader on the ranch when the brakes and steering on the machine failed, according to police.
The loader took a sharp turn and hit two boys aged 11 and 17.
The 11-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The other boy was not seriously injured in the accident, RCMP said.
Officials and residents in the town were shocked by the news Wednesday, with the town posting messages on their social media pages offering condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and support for those in need.
RCMP, Alberta Occupational Health and Safety and the Chief Medical Examiner are investigating the incident.
Mounties said Wednesday no criminal charges are pending.