Three rescued after being trapped in eastern Nebraska grain elevator for several hours

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Three people were trapped inside a grain elevator in Louisville for several hours on Wednesday.

The Plattsmouth Volunteer Fire Department said it was called to assist crews from Louisville in the elevator rescue.

By the time Plattsmouth crews arrived, three people had been stuck in the elevator, which didn’t have air conditioning, for about two hours.

They were five stories up, according to the fire department.

Crews climbed several flights of stairs in dark and hot conditions before reaching the trapped people, officials said.

Once crews reached their destination, two rescuers used a “rope retrieval system” to lower themselves about 20 feet to the elevator’s roof.

All three people were individually pulled out of the elevator.  Officials said the trio are expected to make full recoveries.

“This was an outstanding example of teamwork and focus under difficult conditions,” the fire department said in a Facebook post.