Over 45 animals rescued, 4 dead after barn collapses during storms near Harvard

More than 45 animals have been rescued and four are dead after a large barn collapsed during severe weather near Harvard on Tuesday afternoon.

The Harvard Fire Protection District responded to the 10800 block of Weidner Road in unincorporated Harvard around 2:35 p.m. Tuesday.

Alex Vucha, communications specialist for the Marengo Fire and Rescue District and spokesman for the Harvard Fire District, said emergency crews received a report of a barn collapse that trapped several animals.

Firefighters arrived on scene within minutes and observed a large 30-by-50-foot barn that had completely collapsed to the ground.

Due to the extent of the damage, additional firefighters, manpower and heavy equipment were called to the scene.

Vucha said it was not known how many animals were in the stable when it collapsed. The animals all lived on the lower level of the stable.

“When the barn collapsed, a cavity was created on the lower level that protected and saved almost all of the animals,” Vucha said.

Firefighters safely rescued a total of 24 sheep, 18 goats, a cow and several chickens and ducks from the building by 6:30 p.m

Vucha said four animals were dead and two were missing.

There are no reports of human injuries.

Vucha said weather was likely a factor in the collapse.

When the emergency calls first came in, heavy rain and winds were blowing through the area.

A tornado warning was in effect at the time, shortly before firefighters were dispatched to the scene.

The Harvard Fire Protection District said it appreciated the support of local homeowners for donating their equipment and manpower during the rescue effort.