Devils Lake: Man Dies in CHS Grain Pit Accident

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) — A 34-year-old man died Wednesday after becoming trapped in corn.

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office described the death as accidental in a news release.

What happened

The sheriff’s office says the incident happened at the CHS Elevator west of Devils Lake.

Dispatchers received the call at about 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Authorities say the man fell into an elevator pit and became stuck in corn inside the pit.

First responders arrived and began rescue efforts right away.

Crews responded from the Devils Lake Rural Fire Department and Lake Region Ambulance.

Deputies also responded to the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.

Officials did not say how long the man was trapped.

Despite the rescue efforts, the man died at the scene.

Officials have not released his name.

The sheriff’s office said the name will come out after relatives are notified.

The sheriff’s office says the incident remains under investigation.

Officials did not say why the man entered the pit.

They also did not say if he worked at the site.

No other injuries were reported in the release.

Investigators are working to learn how the accident happened.

The sheriff’s office did not release more details on Wednesday.

Elevator pits sit below floor grates and conveyors.

They help move grain to belts, augers, and other equipment.

These areas can be hard to access during an emergency.

Grain can act like quicksand when it starts to flow.

A person can sink fast and have trouble breathing.

OSHA lists common hazards at grain sites and steps to reduce risk.

NIOSH also warns about grain entrapment and suffocation deaths.

These links offer background and safety guidance.

If you have information about this case, contact local authorities.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

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