A harrowing rescue of an 85-year-old man trapped in a grain bin and buried up to his chin unfolded on a farm at 1530 E. Hart Road in rural Marietta Wednesday.
More than a dozen area rescue teams from as far away as Quincy were dispatched to the scene just after noon and began the ultimately successful rescue efforts, helped largely by citizens who arrived first.
"Many agencies have tools specific to grain bin rescues, but it was a matter of who could get there the fastest," said Fulton County Sheriff Jonathan Webb. "When our first deputy arrived, a farmer, or may have been a farm hand for the family, had opened a small window on the bin door to allow corn out. Deputies, farmers and rescue personnel then scooped the corn away as fast as they could."
According to Macomb Fire Assistant Chief Adam Rhoads, a triangle-shaped hole was cut into the bin to begin removing the grain to free the man, which took about 30 intense minutes.
"The guys did an excellent job assisting the situation," Rhoads said, adding that it was a challenge to keep the grain flowing out.
"Volunteers were on the scene as well, and did an excellent job of jumping right in and to help it move grain where they could, while trying to keep everybody safe," Rhodes said.
It took three cuts to the bin to finally free the man, who'd been stuck for approximately an hour.
He was life-flighted from the scene and is reportedly in stable condition.
"The victim and their family had to patiently wait," Rhoads said, referring to the likely agonizing time the precarious rescue took. "I mean, we moved as quickly as we could and did a fast rescue, but it's still – for what is minutes – felt like hours to them waiting to complete the rescue."
Rhoads said he was unsure how the man became trapped.
"We're not exactly 100% sure of why they were in the bin or what true operation was going on," he said. "We never got those answers when we asked, but obviously the priority was getting him out versus finding that out."
Rhoads said the scary situation, intensified by the summer heat, is a good reason to remind farmers about safety around grain bins.
Mainly, he said, "avoid walking or standing on any type of crusted open grains. You don't know what's underneath of it."
In a press release, the Macomb Fire Department recommended the following:
• Never go in alone – Always have someone outside the bin.
• Shut off equipment – Turn off augers before entry.
• Use a safety harness – Wear a lifeline tied off outside.
• Test the air – Check for toxic gases or low oxygen.
• Avoid walking on crusted grain – It may collapse under you.
• Watch for flowing grain – It can pull you under in seconds.
• Post warning signs – Keep others alert and informed.
• Stay trained – Know the risks and emergency steps.
