May 19, 2024
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4 animals dead in barn collapse near Harvard; dozens more rescued from rubble

By Janelle Walker
First responders, property owners and volunteers tend the scene of a barn collapse along Weidner Road near Harvard on Tuesday evening, May 7, 2024, helping remove rubble and rescue farm animals who were trapped. At least four animals died.

A man helps remove a goat from the scene of a barn collapse near Harvard Tuesday. (Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local/Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local)

A barn near Harvard collapsed Tuesday afternoon, trapping animals inside, and officials on the scene said four animals were killed.

Over the course of several hours on the scene, first responders rescued 24 sheep, 18 goats and 1 cow from the pile of rubble where the barn formerly stood, but two sheep and two goats did not make it out alive, spokesman Alex Vucha said on behalf of the Harvard Fire Protection District. Multiple ducks and chickens also apparently made it out of the barn.

[ Photo gallery: Helpers join first responders in rescuing animals from collapsed barn near Harvard ]

There were no reports of human injuries.

A tornado warning had been issued for the same area Tuesday afternoon. Weather is believed to be a factor in the barn collapse, as heavy rain and strong winds were passing through the area when the emergency call came in.

First responders, property owners and volunteers tend the scene of a barn collapse along Weidner Road near Harvard on Tuesday evening, May 7, 2024, helping remove rubble and rescue farm animals who were trapped. At least four animals died.

First responders and property owners tend the scene of a barn collapse along Weidner Road near Harvard on Tuesday evening. (Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local/Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local)

The fire district was called to the scene along Weidner Road, near the Wisconsin state line, about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and found the barn, about 12 feet by 20 feet, fully collapsed, authorities said. They added the barn was believed to be quite old, possibly dating to the 1800s. The barn had two levels, with the animals housed in the bottom level, and the structure may have helped some animals get out unscathed, officials said.

Because of the extent of the damage, additional firefighters, assistance and heavy machinery were requested. Both firefighters and civilians using backhoes and other equipment worked to move the rubble in attempts to save as many animals as possible. Fire protection district officials expressed appreciation for the assistance of area residents who donated equipment and their help with

First responders, property owners and volunteers tend the scene of a barn collapse along Weidner Road near Harvard on Tuesday evening, May 7, 2024, helping remove rubble and rescue farm animals who were trapped. At least four animals died.

A man carries a chicken away from the scene of a barn collapse near Harvard Tuesday. (Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local/Patrick Kunzer for Shaw Local)

As late as 6:30 p.m., animals were still being removed from the collapsed barn, with one goat heard making a loud distressed sound as it was removed. The condition of the rescued animals wasn’t immediately clear, although many of them could be seen in a field next to the rubble, apparently without serious injury.

Harvard Fire Protection District Chief John Kimmel said it appeared the winds that brought down the barn were straight-line, given the way the debris was blown across an adjacent field.

Next to the destroyed barn, a silo and home stood unscathed.

Northwest Herald reported Claire O’Brien contributed.