Wayne Estes, a 71-year-old Fruitland man taken to a local hospital Friday after the tractor he was driving rolled into a creek, is back home and in good spirits.

"The good Lord had his hand on me during that one," Estes said.

According to reports taken from the accident scene, Estes was driving his Allis Chalmers tractor along a creek bank when it rolled into the creek. The tractor trapped him in the shallow creek bed near County Road 601.

"I have limited eyesight," Estes said. "After 34 years of being on that land, I knew I was getting close to the creek bank, but it just happened that way."

When the tractor began its slide down the edge of the creek bank, it stopped momentarily and Estes felt a brief sense of relief.

"I thought it might've stopped for good," he said, "but it went ahead and turned on over."

Estes was pinned under the tractor for what his son, Alan Estes, believed to be an hour. Fire and rescue units from the Cape Girardeau and Fruitland fire departments raised the tractor using air bags and cables, and Estes was taken by helicopter to Saint Francis Medical Center.

"I didn't have any broken bones," he said. "I had burns on my arms and legs from where the gas dripped on them."

Estes said he received antibiotics and creams for the burns, and was home from the hospital Friday night.

"Other than being a little sore, I feel fine," he said.

Estes said he realizes the outcome of the accident could have been tragically different.

"It just came out great compared to what it could've been," he said.

Estes added he is grateful for the support he and his family received after his accident.

"The whole community has been great," he said. "I appreciate the prayers that went out for me."

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

County Road 601, Fruitland, Mo.