Worker injured in equipment accident at Paxton grain elevator

PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) – A grain elevator worker in Paxton was injured Monday after an accident involving a skid steer loader.

The accident occurred on Monday morning at the Ludlow Cooperative site in Paxton. Ford County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy David Kaeding said the incident initially appeared to be a grain entrapment, but when emergency responders arrived, it was determined that another accident had occurred.

Kaeding said the cab became detached from the machine’s body while the employee was operating a skid steer loader. This may be done for maintenance purposes under controlled circumstances, but it is unknown why this occurred while the skid steer loader was operating.

The employee’s legs were caught between the two parts of the machine. Kaeding said he was in severe pain but was conscious and spoke to emergency responders.