JACKSON, Ohio — A potentially dangerous situation ended without injury on Christmas Eve after a worker became trapped inside a hopper at a local Jackson factory, prompting a multi-agency rescue response.
The Jackson Fire Department said it was alerted to the incident during the evening hours, reporting a worker trapped inside industrial equipment. Responding agencies included the Jackson Police Department, Jackson County EMS, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Fire, and multiple Jackson Fire units, including the department’s Rescue, Tower, and two engine companies.
According to officials, the worker had been attempting to retrieve a dropped cell phone when he fell approximately 10 to 12 feet into the hopper, landing on powdery material inside. Despite being trapped, the worker was able to locate his phone and call 911 for help.
A Jackson Police officer on scene quickly alerted plant personnel that a worker had fallen into a hopper somewhere inside the facility. During a rapid search of the building, responders located the employee inside a bin on an upper floor with an operating auger beneath him, increasing the urgency of the rescue.
Emergency crews were able to safely remove the worker from the hopper. Authorities confirmed the worker was not injured.
The Jackson Fire Department credited the coordinated response and teamwork of all agencies involved, along with plant employees, for the successful outcome. Special recognition was given to the Jackson Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for their quick and decisive actions during the incident.
