A Farmers Cooperative employee in Farnhamville is dead after getting trapped in a grain bin earlier today.

According to Chief Executive Officer Jim Chism, Brett Steck got stuck in a grain bin and was engulfed by soybeans around 9am when he entered the bin for routine cleaning.  Chism points out that Steck was under proper supervision when the accident happened.

Fire and rescue crews from Farnhamville, Gowrie and Churdan were the first to arrive with their grain bin rescue equipment.  Because the structure was cement, crews had to vacuum the soybeans from an access door.  Chism says rescue crews were able to retrieve Steck around 10:45.  An air ambulance was also called to the scene.

Chism adds that proper authorities have been notified and a full investigation will ensue.

Rockwell City and Lake View Fire departments, along with Calhoun County Emergency Medical Services, Iowa State Patrol and Calhoun and Webster County Sheriff’s offices assisted at the scene.

Chism notes that their thoughts and emotional healings are with the victim’s family and their co-workers.

No further details are being released at this time.

Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.

Update from our original post at 11:55am.