CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — First responders say the U.S. sees 25 to 30 grain bin deaths every year — and that number is only rising. The latest numbers show there were more than 40 deaths nationally in 2023. And here in Illinois — he says there’s been two incidents in the last month.

I talked to two different experts and they both gave me the same answer. They usually happen when produce goes bad — clogging the place it exits. But when farmers try to clear it out — is when things can go wrong.

“You can be drawn under the surface of the grain in 15 seconds.” said Illinois Fire Safety Institute’s ag rescue manager David Newcomb.

It leaves little time to get out. He says that’s not the only factor making grain bin rescues difficult.

“Farmers work in remote locations and they work alone. So sometimes there is a number of hours before the incident is even found.” said Newcomb.

That’s why he recommends bringing a partner out with you who can call for help in the worst-case scenario. The good news is —

“That grain entrapments are for the most part preventable. They don’t need to happen. ” said U of I Assistant Professor Salah Issa.

He has studied thousand of grain entrapments to develop strategies to prevent the accidents before they happen.

“We have a lot of solutions you could install, whether it’s blockbusters or even simple bars, to allow you to basically break open any clog that is happening right above your in-bin auger.” said Issa.

But if you don’t have those — the University tested a makeshift way to break up the jam.

“We remove the auger and we and you put, a pipe, a steel pipe in it that’s attached to a air compressor. And we were able to successfully unclog the grain bins.” said Issa.

He says you may have to try it several times — but it does eventually work. Breaking up clogs — and keeping people out of the bins.

First responders go through an eight hour awareness training and a 40 hour class to make them osha compliant. He says this training is imperative — 60-percent of people who die in grain bin accidents are trying to save someone else.

To get in contact with I.F.S.I. for training click here– or to find more resources on grain bin safety here.