Topflight Grain Employee Escapes Serious Injury

Topflight Grain in Pierson Station.

By Doris Elmore
Staff Writer

What could have been a terrible accident was avoided at Topflight Grain Co. in Pierson Station on Friday afternoon, February 19.

According to Atwood Fire Chief Joe Dukeman, the department received the call at 3:45 p.m. Clayton Doss, a Topflight employee, was cleaning out the bottom part of one of the grain bins. There was approximately 6-7 feet of grain left in the bin and the grain gave way burying Doss in grain almost to his chest.

Fire departments from Atwood, Hammond and Arthur were called to the scene and a rescue tube from the grain elevator and Arthur Fire Department was able to lift him out.

Dukeman said they got him out one of the side doors of the bin and he climbed down the ladder on his own. Arrow Ambulance and Life Flight helicopter were standing by for transport. Arrow took Doss to Carle Hospital where he was evaluated and released.

Derrick Bruhn, General Manager for Topflight Grain Co., stated, “We are evaluating the situation to see where we can improve and what additional training might be needed. We do know the training on the rescue tube has certainly paid off. We are very thankful for the fire departments and that Doss is okay.”