Farmer Survives Quad-Bike Accident “Bent in Half Like a Taco”

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A farmer from Ceredigion has survived a horrific quad-bike accident that left him “bent in half like a taco” and fighting for his life, highlighting the dangers of farm work and the need for adequate insurance and first aid training.

Dafydd Morris Jones, 43, from Ponterwyd, suffered serious injuries to his back and neck after losing control of his quad bike while gathering sheep on 17 June. The accident has left him unable to return to farming for at least a year while he awaits further surgery.

“I didn’t insure myself sufficiently for accidents,” Mr Morris Jones said. “If accidents happen, the cost of not being able to work is huge. Farmers need to be prepared.”

According to Gwenno Davies from the Farmers’ Union of Wales, farming remains one of the most hazardous occupations. “Farmers are more than 20 times more likely to suffer fatal accidents at work than the average for all other sectors combined. Farm safety must be our first consideration—not last,” she said.

On the day of the accident, Mr Morris Jones’ quad bike slipped on a patch of fern, causing the rear wheel to lift and throw him off. “Unfortunately, as I was going in the direction of the slope, the bike followed me and lifted my feet up and bent me in half like a taco, breaking my back,” he explained. He landed in bracken with no feeling in his legs.

His mother, who witnessed the quad bike cartwheeling downhill, rushed to his aid and heard him calling for help. Using first aid knowledge, she packed fern around his back to stabilise him while waiting for emergency services. The incident underscores the importance of basic first aid knowledge for farmers and their families, who often work in remote locations.

Mr Morris Jones was airlifted by ambulance to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he spent three-and-a-half weeks immobilised while surgeons stabilised his spine with screws and rods. Following this, he was transferred to Llandough Hospital Recovery Centre in Penarth to undergo rehabilitation, including learning to walk again.

After nearly four months of treatment, he returned home on 10 October, still wearing a brace and awaiting further surgery on his neck. “Thankfully I’m back on my feet, but without the care and a long hospital stay, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.

The accident has prompted Mr Morris Jones to speak out about the risks of farming and the importance of being adequately insured. He highlighted the cost of lost work and the impact of accidents on family life. “Being able to treat ourselves and our families before help arrives is absolutely essential,” he said.

He also stressed the need for technology that can quickly alert emergency services in case of an accident. “I lost my phone during the incident, which made contacting help more difficult. Devices like watches that can alert emergency services should be considered essential for farmers.”

Agricultural unions have also emphasised the importance of full and adequate insurance for those working in the sector. Aled Griffiths from the National Farmers’ Union explained, “Insurance can be expensive, but farmers must consider the cost of an accident, their monthly bills, and who will carry out the work if they’re unable to. If someone is underinsured, only a portion of the cost may be covered, which can have serious implications.”

Despite the severity of his injuries, Mr Morris Jones remains positive about his recovery. “Around the house, I’m on my feet with the help of sticks and there’s a clear path to further recovery. I hope to be back farming within a year. I’m not sure if that’s realistic, but the need—and desire—to get back drives me forward,” he said.

The story of Mr Morris Jones highlights the wider dangers faced by farmers across Wales and the UK. Farming involves physically demanding work, exposure to machinery, uneven terrain, and remote locations where immediate medical assistance may not be available. Safety precautions, including proper training, protective equipment, and emergency preparedness, are essential in preventing serious accidents.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has long advocated for better safety measures and training for farmers. Gwenno Davies emphasised, “Farm safety should never be an afterthought. All farmers should be aware of risks, invest in appropriate insurance, and receive regular first aid and safety training tailored to agricultural work.”

In addition to insurance, the case demonstrates the importance of accessible emergency services. Air ambulance services and first responders play a critical role in reducing fatalities and long-term injuries from farm accidents. The combination of community preparedness, personal vigilance, and prompt professional care can dramatically improve outcomes for farmers who sustain severe injuries.

Mr Morris Jones’ accident also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of farm work. A seemingly minor hazard, such as a patch of fern or uneven ground, can quickly escalate into a life-threatening incident. “Farm work is inherently dangerous,” he said. “Accidents can happen in a split second, and preparation is everything. You have to think ahead about the worst-case scenario and be ready.”

The farming community has rallied around Mr Morris Jones, offering support and encouragement throughout his recovery. Fellow farmers and neighbours have assisted with daily chores and provided practical advice on rehabilitation, reflecting the close-knit nature of rural communities.

Looking ahead, Mr Morris Jones is determined to resume his farming career while advocating for greater awareness of farm safety. “I want others to learn from my experience,” he said. “Get insured, know first aid, and always respect the risks of farm work. It’s better to be prepared than regret it later.”

Experts in agricultural safety agree that incidents like this underline the need for continued education and investment in safety measures. Training on quad-bike operation, fall prevention, and emergency response is increasingly being incorporated into union-led programmes and government safety initiatives, aiming to reduce the number of serious accidents in the sector.

In conclusion, the story of Dafydd Morris Jones’ quad-bike accident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by farmers. It demonstrates the physical risks, the financial implications of being underinsured, and the critical importance of first aid knowledge and rapid emergency response. Despite severe injuries, Mr Morris Jones’ resilience and determination to recover and return to farming exemplify the courage and perseverance often required in agricultural life. His experience has become a cautionary tale for the farming community and a call to action for better preparedness, training, and safety awareness.