Man trapped in tractor under collapsed utility pole is rescued near Marengo

Firefighters were able to free a man without injury who was trapped in a tractor after a utility pole collapsed onto him Monday evening near Marengo, officials report.

The Marengo Fire and Rescue Districts responded to a call about 5 p.m. Monday to the 20400 block of Kishwaukee Valley Road for a person trapped in a tractor. Firefighters arrived to find a man in the driver’s seat of a medium-sized tractor, pinned under a collapsed utility pole, Marengo Fire and Rescue Districts Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said in a news release.

“The pole had brought down electrical wires, creating a potential hazard and firefighters proceeded with caution while awaiting ComEd to confirm the lines were de-energized,” Vucha said in the release, adding it appeared the tractor struck a guy wire, causing the utility pole to topple.

ComEd crews arrived shortly after and confirmed the power to the lines had been disconnected. Firefighters were able to remove the man from the tractor safely without injuries. Paramedics evaluated the man and he was not taken to a hospital. It is believed the man had been trapped for about 45 minutes before being discovered by a family member, Vucha wrote.

“Given the totality of the situation, this was the best outcome possible,” Fire Chief John Kimmel said in the release. “Our training and teamwork were critical to achieving a positive outcome in this incident. We are glad he is back home and healthy.”