A 65-year-old man who became trapped in a grain bin in the Town of Paris, Wisconsin on Friday morning was safely rescued after a coordinated emergency response. The Town of Paris Fire and Rescue Department received the call around 8 a.m. and led the operation with support from multiple agencies.
According to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, the man became stuck in soybeans while checking the auger inside the bin. When first responders arrived, he was conscious and breathing, with grain reaching up to his chest.
Paris Fire and Rescue Chief Hennessey said crews used rope systems and a specialized tube placed around the man, allowing them to vacuum out the soybeans surrounding him. Throughout the process, rescuers kept in contact with him as they secured a harness and worked with ground crews managing the ropes to lift him free.
This method helped relieve pressure on his chest and allowed rescuers to safely bring him out. By 9:45 a.m., the man was pulled to the top of the bin, then carefully lowered to the ground and placed on a stretcher. He was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
Officials reminded the public that anyone trapped in a grain bin should never be rescued by bystanders. Instead, emergency services should be called immediately, as untrained attempts can cause further grain collapse and endanger more people.