58-year-old Indiana woman dies in grain bin accident

A farming accident claimed the life of a Mishawaka, Indiana, woman Thursday morning after she became trapped inside a grain bin.

According to 16NewsNow, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. in a rural area located between Plymouth and Bourbon.

The Marshall County Coroner’s Office reported that the 58-year-old Marilyn Miller was working inside the grain bin attempting to loosen compacted grain when disaster struck.

Investigators say Miller was pulled into the grain as it began shifting downward toward the auger.

These types of accidents, often referred to as grain entrapments, can happen suddenly and are notoriously difficult to escape from due to the sheer weight and movement of the grain.

Emergency crews were called to the scene but were unable to rescue Miller. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death.

Grain bin fatalities remain a sobering hazard for farmers and agricultural workers across the country. According to the National Agricultural Safety Database, hundreds of incidents are reported each year, with many resulting in death due to suffocation or trauma.

Miller’s death has sent ripples through the local community, which is known for its strong ties to farming and agriculture. Friends and neighbors told local news that she was a hardworking and kind woman who understood the risks of her work but was committed to the job she loved.

Safety experts urge farmers to follow strict protocols when working inside grain bins, including the use of harnesses, safety spotters, and mechanical tools to loosen stuck grain whenever possible.

Thankfully, new findings reported a decrease in entrapment cases. No fewer than 55 cases involving agricultural confined spaces, with 29 fatal and 26 nonfatal cases. This represents a 33.7 percent decrease over the 83 cases documented in 2022.