On February 21, 2009 around 6:45 PM Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a complaint of a possible farm accident south of Newton, MB.
A neighbour attended the farm and found equipment and a truck running, but the owner was nowhere to be found. The complainant called 911, believing the farmer may be injured somewhere on the property. Portage la Prairie RCMP, Portage Fire Department, and Ambulance as well as members from Sunnyside Colony attended the location and began looking for the farmer. The truck and equipment were located near a grain bin, which had a ladder sticking out at the top of the bin. The grain bin was emptied, and the farmer, a 62 year old man, was located at the bottom of the bin. Paramedics pronounced the man deceased at the scene.
It is believed that the farmer was working alone, and went into the bin to loosen up the top layer of grain. The grain underneath the farmer became loose and the farmer sunk to the bottom of the bin. Proper safety equipment was not used by the farmer. There is no foul play suspected, and an autopsy has been requested to determine the exact cause of death.
The name of the deceased is not being released at this time. The incident is still under investigation.
Cst. Stephen Senuita
Portage la Prairie RCMP
Tel: 204-857-4445
Fax: 204-239-0130
