Tractor crash at Gloucestershire show leaves man dead

A tractor at a vintage car show in Gloucestershire crashed into parked cars, killing a man in his 50s; a younger driver is in custody on suspicion of dangerous driving and alcohol impairment.

Tractor crash at Gloucestershire show leaves man dead

Emergency services were called to the Severn Vale Vintage Club annual show in Fiddington, near Tewkesbury, at 11.25pm on Saturday. A man in his 50s was pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger sustained serious injuries and was given first aid by a bystander before further medical help arrived. The victim's next of kin have been informed. A man in his 20s, believed to have been driving the tractor, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through alcohol. The car show was cancelled on Sunday.

Police said investigations are ongoing and a post-mortem will be scheduled. The incident has revived discussions about safety at public events that combine crowds with moving vehicles.

This tragedy sits at the intersection of nostalgia and risk. Vintage shows draw crowds with little margin for error, and any lapse behind the wheel can have deadly consequences. The arrest signals seriousness, but questions remain about how such events manage vehicle movements and alcohol policy.

The incident could reshape how communities plan safety at mixed-use events; it highlights the need for clear rules, proper barriers, and rapid response protocols that protect attendees without dampening the appeal of these traditional gatherings.

Highlights

The town will watch how investigators translate this tragedy into safer public events