Watch CBS News

Suisun City Man Riding Historic Military Tank Falls Off And Is Fatally Run Over

FAIRFIELD (CBS SF) -- A 54-year-old Suisun City man died Saturday afternoon in unincorporated Solano County, after he was run over by a military tank.

The CHP received a report of the accident at 2:25 p.m. at 4144 Abernathy Road, according to California Highway Patrol officials.

A group of people were having a gathering on the property and two men were riding in 1944 World War II model M-5 military tank. A passenger was sitting on the front edge of the tank, facing inwards, while the other man drove the tank, CHP said.

As the tank traveled down a dirt hill, the passenger lost his balance and fell backwards, directly in front of the tank. The tank then ran over the victim, causing him to sustain fatal injuries, according to CHP.

Medics pronounced the man dead at 2:41 p.m. on the property where the reunion was held, CHP officials said.

The driver of the vehicle, a 62-year-old Vacaville man, had permission from its owner to drive it and give rides on the property, according to CHP.

Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be a factor in the incident, CHP officials said.

© Copyright 2015 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.