Devils Lake, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — A 34-year-old man died in a grain bin accident Wednesday morning.
Authorities said the man suffocated inside a bin filled with corn.
The incident happened at the CHS grain elevator west of Devils Lake.
The site handles corn and other grain from area farms.
Investigators with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.
What happened
An investigator said the man was inside a corn bin when the emergency occurred.
He was later found unresponsive in the grain, officials said.
Emergency crews were called, but he did not survive.
The victim’s name has not been released.
Officials did not say whether family notifications are complete.
They also did not say what work was being done at the time.
Investigation and next steps
The Sheriff’s Office is reviewing the events that led to the death.
Officials did not say why the man entered the bin.
They also did not say if anyone else was inside the bin.
Officials did not say if the man worked for CHS.
They did not say if he was a contractor.
The agency has not released any timeline for the investigation.
Workplace deaths may also involve state and federal review.
That can include guidance from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
OSHA warns that grain can act like quicksand during unloading.
OSHA also warns that crusted grain can break and bury a person.
CHS is a major agriculture company with elevators across the region.
The company’s main site is CHS Inc.
CHS has not released a public statement on the incident.
TRF News will update this report as more facts are confirmed.
Grain bin safety
Grain bins can become deadly in seconds, safety groups warn.
Flowing grain can pull a person under fast.
Bridged grain can collapse without warning.
Experts urge lockout steps before anyone enters a bin.
They also urge a spotter and a harness line.
They warn against entering a bin alone.
More safety guidance is available from the National Grain and Feed Association.
North Dakota resources are also available through NDSU Extension.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.