A Macon man killed Friday night in a farm accident has been identified by Callaway County Sheriff's Lt. Clay Chism.
Stephen Fink, 45, died at the scene, according to a news release from Chism. A second person at the farm was injured and transported by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia. This person, who was not identified, is expected to survive, the news release stated.
The incident was reported at 6:43 p.m. Friday at the farm in the 1900 block of County Road 231 in northwest Callaway County. Deputies, Missouri Highway Patrol troopers, North Callaway Fire Protection District personnel and Callaway County EMS personnel responded to a report of an explosion at the farm, south of State Road E. While responding, emergency responders learned the explosion was possibly related to a farm accident as area residents observed damage to a large farm structure.
Upon arrival, the responders discovered a large farm structure had collapsed and found a semi unit in the rubble. Investigators ultimately determined the semi, operated by Fink, was at the farm delivering a liquid-based cattle feed product. The feed product was being offloaded from the semi into another large storage-type farm container. An explosion occurred during the offloading.
It is not confirmed yet what exactly caused the explosion; however, investigators have found no evidence of foul play, nor is any suspected, the news release said.
Fink was found in the rubble and died at the scene. His body was taken to the Boone/Callaway Medical Examiner's Office in Columbia for further investigation.
At the request of Callaway County Sheriff's Office investigators, the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office provided an additional investigator at the scene. Further assisting with the scene were the Fulton and Columbia fire departments.