Man in mid-30s trapped in grain following silo collapse at Arcturus in Central Highlands

The family of a Queensland farmer, who was nearly buried alive in a grain silo, has shared a message as the 34-year-old recovers in hospital following the incredible rescue effort.

Photos shared by RACQ Capricorn Rescue of the grain silos incident at Arcturus, near Springsure in the Central Highlands.

Heartfelt gratitude to the rescue crews who frantically fought to save a farmer from being buried alive this week has been expressed in a statement issued on behalf the 34-year-old and his family.

The survivor remains in Rockhampton hospital after he was trapped under tonnes of grain when a silo collapsed three hours west of Rockhampton on Wednesday.

Bystanders and emergency crews used shovels and machinery to free the 34-year-old man and keep the grain away from his face.

Emergency services received the triple-0 call about 9.15am on February 28 to Arcturus, near Springsure in the Central Highlands region, an hour southeast of Emerald.

Multiple Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews, ambulance and police officers were called to the rescue, along with the RACQ Capricorn Rescue service from Rockhampton.

He was freed soon after the rescue helicopter arrived.

Photos shared by RACQ Capricorn Rescue of the grain silos incident at Arcturus, near Springsure in the Central Highlands.

On Friday the man remained in Rockhampton Hospital where he was in a stable condition.

The man and his family shared the following statement:

“Our family wants to say a huge thank you to everyone — our neighbours, friends, family, and the emergency responders,” the statement read.

“Your quick thinking and bravery saved a life.

“We’re truly touched by your kindness and support.

“From all of us, thank you so much.”

The roof collapse of the silo.

Queensland Ambulance Service flight critical care paramedic Kirsty Berger attended with the Rescue300 helicopter team.

“In between the call and our arrival bystanders had been working to remove the grain with shovels and also with a front-end loader to try and keep the patient free of the grain as much as they could,” she said.

“The initial QAS crews found the patient to be heavily entrapped under grain and debris but conscious and in a stable condition

“On the Rescue300 crew arrival the patient was remaining trapped by the legs by debris and grain.”

The Rescue300 was able to land not far from the silo.

“It was a really prolonged extrication due to his entrapment with lots of assistance from bystanders, QFES, QPS, QAS and Rescue300 crew,” Ms Berger said.

The man was treated for “significant lower limb injuries”, reportedly crush injuries to his legs, and was flown to Rockhampton Hospital in a stable condition with a doctor and flight paramedic.

“The patient was very thankful we were there and seemed in really good spirits throughout our transfer,” Ms Berger said.

The scene of the grain silo collapse.

A spokesperson for Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said investigations were ongoing.

“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is investigating an incident that occurred in Arcturus. As this is a current investigation, WHSQ is not able to provide further information at this time,” the spokesperson said.

It follows the incredible rescue mission to save a 78-year-old farmer trapped up to his neck in grain in a silo in Baralaba.

Emergency services were called to help the farmer, John Lawson, off Moura Baralaba Road in February, 2023.

The police and ambulance officers who saved his life were honoured for going “above and beyond the call of duty” after rescuing him, receiving a QBANK Everyday Heroes Award in the Working Together category in October, 2023.