Delaware State Police
News Release

Millsboro Man Dies in Industrial Accident

Released Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Delmar – A 46 year old Millsboro resident was killed earlier today after several thousand pounds of soybean composite fell on him as he was working in a silo at Allens Hatchery located at 10392 Allens Mill Rd in Delmar.

Emergency crews were called at approximately 2:25 pm today after it was reported Herbert Mitchell, 46 of Millsboro was trapped under the soybeans. Investigators learned he was working in the silo attempting to clear out the soybeans in an attempt to repair something damaged at the bottom of the silo.

Part of the procedure involved using high-powered air hoses to blow the soybeans to one side of the silo. As the soybeans piled up on one side, it began a clearing on the other side where Mr. Mitchell was inside of a cage that was being lowered by a forklift. While inside the cage he was being lowered towards the bottom of the silo in an effort to get to the bottom to continue blowing the soybeans.

While this was occurring, something triggered an “avalanche” of the compiled soybeans and thousands of pounds of soybean fell down onto the cage and entrapped Mr. Mitchell. Due to the significant amount of soybean, Mr. Mitchell could not be removed from the pile until approximately 5 pm. He was pronounced dead when he was recovered.