Crews free man trapped in grain bin

A man escaped without serious injury after being trapped in a grain bin at a home south of Newton on Tuesday.

Crews from four area fire departments were on hand for more than an hour following the call to 6225 Highway S-74 S. around 10 a.m.

The man, whose name was not released, was conscious the entire time the rescue took place and was treated on the scene. A medical helicopter was called as a precautionary measure, but was not needed.

Upon arrival, the responders used a grain bin rescue tube from the Kellogg Fire Department to stabilize the victim. The tube surrounds the person in the bin so they do not get crushed by the corn and allows the grain to be released until the person is free.

Air was also given to the victim because of large amounts of dust and debris.

Responders used several methods to get the corn out of the bin, including cutting multiple holes at the bottom of the bin with a rescue saw as well as pumping the corn into a waiting semi truck. The victim was eventually able to exit the access door on the side of the bin.

“It was a good use of training that is provided to the firefighters in the area with the grain bin rescue. It was a good collaborative effort between of the departments that were there,” said Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik.

The Newton, Kellogg, Monroe and Reasnor fire departments, as well as the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

According to the Jasper County Assessors website, the property is owned by David L. Peters.

Contact Staff Writer Jamee A. Pierson at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com.