Woodstock semi-driver electrocuted in deadly farm equipment incident

McHENRY COUNTY, Ill. (WTVO) — A 38-year-old man was electrocuted Monday while attempting to board a tractor that had come into contact with energized power lines.

According to the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the scene on County Line Road, south of Jackson Road, around 5:31 p.m.

Police said a 56-year-old man from Hebron had been operating a John Deere 9520RX tractor-trailer, pulling a Brent 2096 grain cart, and was attempting to offload grain onto a semi-truck parked on the road.

Authorities said that the grain cart’s chute made contact with the overhead powerlines, causing them to fall into the ditch.

The energized lines came in contact with the tractor, and police said the 38-year-old victim was electrocuted trying to approach and board the tractor.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

The tractor operator was taken to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford and is currently listed in fair condition.