An Illinois farming family is sharing the story of a fatal grain bin entrapment in hopes it will encourage others to take extra precautions before entering a bin.

Tom Ritter, 73, was preparing for his 51st harvest when he entered a grain bin while cleaning out the last of the farm’s stored corn. According to his son, Cory Ritter, an equipment issue occurred while Tom was using a grain vacuum.

Tom initially attempted to address the problem from outside the bin but eventually stepped inside. A shelf of corn suddenly collapsed and trapped him beneath the grain.

Eight fire departments, neighboring farmers, and more than 100 people responded to the scene. Despite their efforts, the rescue became a recovery.

Cory has since shared his father’s story in hopes it will encourage other farmers to slow down, avoid entering bins alone, and take additional precautions when grain-flow or equipment problems occur.

Grain Entrapments Increased in 2024

Purdue University documented 34 grain-related entrapments in 2024, a 25% increase from the 27 cases reported in 2023.

Approximately 41% of the 2024 entrapments were fatal. The five-year fatality average was nearly 50%, showing that these incidents remain extremely dangerous even as rescue training and emergency response continue to improve.

Researchers also caution that the true number of incidents may be higher because many on-farm grain storage facilities are not subject to the same injury-reporting requirements as commercial facilities.

Prevention Remains the Best Protection

Whenever possible, grain-flow problems, clumps, and equipment issues should be handled from outside the bin.

Stored grain can shift or collapse without warning, especially when moisture, spoilage, or uneven grain removal creates crusts, shelves, or unstable walls inside the structure.

When entry is unavoidable, equipment should be shut down and disconnected, lockout procedures should be followed, and no one should enter alone. A properly secured harness and lifeline, trained personnel outside the bin, reliable communication, and available rescue equipment are also important.

Even a task expected to take only a few minutes can become life-threatening when grain begins to move.

A Relevant Issue for Agricultural Claims Professionals

For agricultural insurance and claims professionals, grain bin incidents may involve worker safety, equipment operation, emergency response, structural damage, business interruption, and liability concerns.

Understanding how these losses occur can support stronger risk-management conversations, more informed investigations, and better prevention efforts.

Tom Ritter’s story is a reminder that a familiar farm task can become dangerous within seconds. Slowing down, asking for help, and addressing problems from outside the bin whenever possible may help prevent another tragedy.

Sources: AgWeb, “Illinois Farmer’s Grain Bin Entrapment Turns Fatal, Son Shares Tragic Story to Save Lives”; Purdue University, “2024 Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities”; KWQC and the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, “Grain Bin Accidents Remain Deadly. One Farmer Hopes His Family’s Story Can Help.”