1 Dies in Grain Elevator Collapse

OMAHA (DTN) -- A grain elevator collapse killed one man and injured two others in Tynan, Texas, a town of about 270 people about 100 miles southeast of San Antonio, on Tuesday afternoon.

At 3:56 p.m. on July 4, emergency personnel responded to a call that two grain silos at R&R Commodities just off Highway 369 in Tynan had reportedly ruptured and collapsed onto two 18-wheelers, trapping "several subjects inside," according to information released by the Bee County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Ronnie Jones told DTN two men were found injured and sent to area hospitals and the other, 37-year-old Sergio Jason Alvarez, was found deceased.

The condition of the two other workers injured in the collapse is unknown, Jones said.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.

Volunteer fire departments, emergency medical personnel and law enforcement officials from several surrounding communities were among those who responded to the incident, according to a Facebook post by the City of Beeville, which is located about 20 miles north of Tynan. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens were also on the scene and assisted in locating the victim with a department K9. The Bee County Road and Bridge Department, City of Beeville Public Works and Water Department, City of Mathis Public Works and Farmers Coop also responded with heavy machinery and personnel to help remove debris, according to the Beeville post.

Also in its Facebook post, the City of Beeville extended its condolences to the victims and their families and thanked all those who responded to the incident.

"There is no amount of training that can prepare you for everything you may encounter. In response to the tragic collapse of the grain elevators today in Tynan, we first extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims, families and the entire community; however, there is a huge 'Thank You' to those who responded, without hesitation ... It was a team effort by all first responders and regular citizens that showed up bringing water and wanting to help. We genuinely appreciate all that everyone did in working together today. Thank you."

Susan Payne can be reached at susan.payne@dtn.com

Follow her on Twitter @jpusan

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