ATHOL — Five people were transported to Athol Hospital with minor injuries on Friday night after a tractor involved in hayrides crashed near Silver Lake.

Athol Police and Fire departments were dispatched to the crash at around 7:45 p.m., according to a post on the Athol Police Department’s Facebook page.

The hayride was being run as part of the Athol Lions Club’s Haunted Hayrides, an annual fundraiser dating back more than two decades. Rides begin at the Silver Lake playground on Pequoig Avenue, and actors perform skits around the perimeter of the lake, depicting spooky creatures ahead of Halloween.

According to a post on the Athol Lions Club’s Facebook page, the “unfortunate accident” occurred as a result of the tractor’s “mechanical failure.” The club canceled Saturday’s hayrides after the crash, offering refunds to ticket holders.

The matter remains under investigation, according to the Athol Police Department.

Representatives of the Athol Fire Department, Athol Police Department and Athol Lions Club declined to comment further when reached by phone on Saturday.

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.