Maria Stein man dies in silo accident

MARIA STEIN - A Maria Stein farmer died after reportedly being overcome by silage fumes while trapped inside a silo on Monday morning.

Fire, emergency medical personnel and Mercer County Sheriff's deputies responded to 889 Cassella-Montezuma Road after receiving a 911 call at 10:20 a.m.

Timothy J. Dirksen, 39, had been leveling off silage and became trapped inside a 90-foot silo, according to a Mercer County Sheriff's Office news release. Investigators believe Dirksen was overcome by fumes.

Dirksen was removed from the silo using a Celina Fire Department ladder and a rope team from the Chickasaw Fire Department, Osgood Fire Chief Frank Miller said. Dirksen had reportedly been trapped inside for about an hour by the time crews were able to remove him.

Emergency personnel began resuscitation efforts after Dirksen was removed from the silo and lowered to the ground. He was then flown by medical helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, where he was pronounced dead.

Assisting at the scene were members of the St. Henry EMS and the North Star, Osgood, Chickasaw, Celina and Burkettsville fire departments.

According to The Ohio University Extension, silos can contain deadly gases such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide can be found near the base of recently filled silos since it is heavier than air, and instant death can result from inhalation. Carbon dioxide fills the headspace of the silo.

Exposure to such gases reportedly happens most often in the first three weeks after the silo is filled, and so it is suggested workers stay out of the silo during that time period unless wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus. A blower should be run for at least 15 minutes before entering, and kept running to help provide air movement while inside.

If entering a silo, use a safety rope and harness, and at least two people should be outside in case of an incident, according to extension information.