Man trapped inside bin rescued

At approximately 6:34 p.m., emergency units responded to Wise Farms, 13264 S. CR 200 W., north of Howesville, for the incident.

Upon arrival, officials discovered the man, identified as Mike Lacy, was inside the grain bin with corn up to his neck. Only his head and hands were exposed.

After equipment arrived, officials began cutting the sides of the grain bin to remove the corn away from the victim.

According to a press release provided by the Clay County Sheriff's Department, firefighters inside the bin worked to provide medical treatment for the victim while the corn was being removed from the bin.

After the level of the corn was low enough, the victim was removed through an opening in the side and transported to Regional Hospital, Terre Haute. The condition of the victim is not known and his name has not been released.

In addition, four firefighters were taken to a local hospital and treated for exhaustion and one firefighter was treated for an ankle injury that occurred outside the bin while removing the corn.

"We were very, very, very lucky," Clay County Emergency Management Director Bryan Husband said. "Usually, these are such tragic events. I can't say enough about the efforts.

"When a grain bin rescue is performed and grain has to be removed, it has to be done equally from each side. If you remove the grain from one side and not the other, the weight of the grain can cause the bin to collapse. If you cut too much of the bin's structure, the same thing can occur."

Husband added local farmers assisted emergency crews.

"I can't say enough about the local farmers and how they support each other and our efforts," Husband said. "They were bringing in equipment to help move the corn as it was being removed. They were there after we left helping to pick up what corn could be saved.

"During an incident like this, the farmers are the technical experts," Husband continued. "The firefighters train for this type of incident, but the farmers know the operation of these storage units. Without them, the firefighter's job would be much more difficult."

Agencies responding to the scene included the Lewis Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Jasonville Fire Department, the Clay City Volunteer Fire Department, the Coal City Volunteer Department, Wright Township Fire Department, Hymera/Jackson Township Fire Department, the Clay County Sheriff's Department, the Hymera Town Marshal, TransCare, and Greene County and Sullivan County ambulance services.