Authorities Rescue Man from Corn Bin in Washburn County

Man Rescued from Corn Bin

At approximately 1 p.m. Monday Washburn County Dispatch was notified of a man trapped in a corn bin at the Frey Farm on Frey Road Township of Sarona.

Deputies, Shell Lake PD, North Ambulance, Shell Lake Fire and North Air Ambulance all responded to the scene.

Chief Deputy Mike Richter, first on scene, was told that Jim Frey went in the corn bin, which had 50 semi loads of corn in it, to dislodge the auger as they were trying to load a semi.

Chief Deputy Richter observed Jim buried in corn up to his neck.

Jim was conscious and verbally responsive. Jim legs were stuck under some steel, which proved more difficult in the rescue attempts.

Shell Lake Fire arrived on scene and took charge of the rescue efforts.

Thankfully members of the Shell Lake Fire Department were trained in corn bin rescues and their training paid off.

Holes were cut into the side of the corn bin on multiple sides to remove as much corn as possible.

Many first responders were there, along with deputies, Shell Lake Police, family members and neighbors who came to shovel corn and help.

Shell Lake City Shop brought out their front end loader to move corn away from the bin allowing workers to move more corn out of the bin.

Many thousands of bushels of corn were removed from the bin.

After many hours they were successful. Jim was flown to the cities and is in very good condition considering his ordeal.

Authorities visited the Frey Farm Tuesday and talked to Jim, he is doing well and thankful for everyone that helped remove him.