The call came in to 911 at 6:06 p.m. Thursday. First responders were needed in Trent after a pipe explosion at a local worksite.
From what we have been told, they were attempting to release pressure in a line and when attempting it the pipe exploded. That’s the extent of what we know, Sheriff Troy Wellman told the Moody County Enterprise.
Wellman said he cannot recall a workplace accident of this scale in nearly 30 years of local law enforcement. Four people were injured. Three were taken by ambulance to area hospitals, while the fourth Austin Otto, of Egan was airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital.
Otto remains in critical condition. Doctors are keeping him in a medically induced coma to allow brain bleeds and swelling to heal. He also suffered two collapsed lungs, burns, a broken shoulder blade, broken ankle and broken ribs.
The cause remains under investigation. Jodi Johanson, general manager for Big Sioux Community Water Systems, and officials with its partner, Minnehaha Community Water Corp., declined comment until the review is complete. The two utilities are partners in a new Shared Resources water treatment plant being built just west of Trent.
The project is intended to meet growing demand for rural water access across the state.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Otto and his family with medical and other expenses at this time. You can learn more at www.gofundme.com/f/austin-otto. Donation containers are also located at Wildcats Bar in Colman, which Ottos mother, Nicole, recently opened, along with Sunrise Ridge Golf Course.
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