New details released in Creswell grain bin death
State labor officials have released new details on how a worker died Monday in a Washington County grain bin accident.
Elith Sosa was pulled from the grain bin off U.S. 64 outside of Creswell around 3:45 p.m. Monday. The facility is owned by Lake Phelps Grain Inc.
The state Department of Labor says their preliminary investigation shows that Sosa was getting ready to clean corn from the bin. After opening holes in the floor, the man went into the bin to begin the sweep auger and ensure the holes were clear so corn could flow through.
Sosa then walked up to the "center peak" of the corn, which was about 13 feet high, and he became engulfed in the corn, according to the state.
His body was recovered about six hours later.
The Occupational Safety and Health Division is investigating the fatality.
State officials are now investigating Monday's deadly grain bin accident in Washington County.
The body of 50-year-old Elith Sosa was pulled from the grain bin off U.S. 64 outside of Creswell around 3:45 p.m.
Authorities say Sosa, an employee of Lake Phelps Grain Inc., became trapped around 9:30 a.m.
The state Department of Labor says after they saw WITN's online coverage of the accident their Occupation, Safety, and Health Division launched an investigation.
A spokeswoman says right now there is no preliminary cause for the accident.
A farmworker who became trapped inside a grain bin Monday morning has been identified.
Washington County Manager Curtis Potter says the body of Elith Sosa, 50, was pulled from a grain bin late Monday afternoon.
Potter said the man, who was an employee at Lake Phelps Grain Inc., became trapped around 9:30 Monday morning.
Multiple rescue agencies responded to the scene to aid in the rescue efforts that sadly turned into a recovery mission.
Potter says the proper agencies will now take over to investigate the accident.
A recovery mission is now underway to retrieve the body of a man that became trapped inside of grain bin Monday morning.
Washington County Manager Curtis Potter says they located the body of the man around 3:45 p.m.
The man is an employee of Lake Phelps Grain Inc. and had been missing since around 9:30 a.m.
After several hours, rescue workers continue to search for a man they believe became trapped inside a grain bin on a farm in Creswell.
Washington County Manager Curtis Potter says fire departments within the county and neighboring counties are taking part in the rescue mission.
Potter says four teams of three are taking turns emptying the bin which is filled with corn. At last check, the bins were at 25% capacity.
They have not been able to locate the man within the bin, but all possible rescue methods are being used at this time. The man has been missing since about 9:30 Monday morning.
The family that owns the corn bin says the missing man is an employee of Lake Phelps Grain Inc. They also said they are thankful for the community's support and are praying for a happy ending.
Potter says emergency crews do have a rescue tube which is used to help make rescues quickly inside grain silos. In order to use it, you have to have located the person inside first.
We're gathering details on rescue efforts for a man who is trapped inside a grain bin.
Washington County Manager Curtis Potter says a call came in around 9:30 Monday morning from Lake Phelps Grain Inc. in Creswell initially for a gas leak. Potter says another call came in shortly after for a grain bin rescue.
Potter says Washington County fire departments, as well as neighboring agencies, responded to the rescue effort. Sheriff Johnny Barnes says EMS and Emergency Management are also on scene.
WITN has crews on the way to Lake Phelps Grain and we will keep you posted as we learn more.
