Grain Bin Collapse in Illinois Town Spills Nearly Two Million Tons of Soybeans

A small Illinois town in Iroquois County was rocked last week, with a significant part of their economy subsequently being hampered, following the collapse of a grain bin that sent a slew of individuals running for their lives.

Last Wednesday, at Donovan Farmers' Cooperative facility in Martinton, IL, a 90-foot-tall grain bin structurally failed and collapsed, spilling over 30,000 bushels of soybeans. That's roughly 1.8 million pounds that spilled out of the bin, causing a surplus of dust that engulfed the area, per WCIA.

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Video captured the harrowing event and soon spread on social media via news outlets. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the ensuing collapse left the area without power until the following day.

First responders were already on-scene that morning tending to a separate call when they noticed warning signs of structural failure within the grain bin. The telltale warning sign was a bulge forming in the bin's concrete and rebar.

After the collapse, Martinton Fire Chief was informed and medical personnel set up a safety area, evacuated Donovan employees, contacted utility companies, and requested additional assistance from nearby Papineau and Watseka.

About seven minutes before the collapse, soybeans inside the bin began to shift, and first responders made the call to get everyone away from the area. Then the towering structure came crashing down, and video shows several individuals running away from the wreckage.

Some businesses in the area, including a local bar, were left without power for an extended period of time following the collapse.

The Martinton Fire Chief gave credit to a paramedic's observations and acting swiftly. His actions likely saved several lives:

Thanks to the observant eye of the ambulance personnel at the original call, we were able to evacuate and secure the area around the silo. This action certainly prevented what may have been life-threatening injuries or even fatalities. I am extremely grateful to the ambulance crew for bringing this situation to my attention - Martinton Fire Chief Jeff Meyer, per WCIA

Read more about the grain bin collapse in Martinton, IL on WCIA's website.