Updated at: 11/13/2009 4:32 PM | KSAX.com
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Corn Stalk Chopper Crushes Melrose Farm Worker's Body

MELROSE, MINN. -  A corn stalk chopper shifted off of safety blocks and pinned a Melrose farmer worker, crushing his body Thursday morning.

Both the owner of the farm, Richard Imdieke and his employee Joe Leukam were underneath a corn stalk chopper, replacing a center bearing, according to the Stearns County Sheriff's Department.

The corn stalk chopper was raised off the floor by a hydraulic hoist which lost pressure and shifted off the safety blocks and lowered onto Leukam's chest.

Leukam was unable to get out from beneath the chopper and as a result the machine crushed his chest.

Leukam was transported by Melrose Ambulance to the Melrose Hospital, and then was transported by Life Link to the St. Cloud Hospital for observations and treatment for his injuries where he was listed in good condition as of Friday afternoon.

Written for the web by: Emily Deem.

edeem@ksax.com