A farmer working in a ditch southwest of Chaska was "accidentally buried alive" in dirt by one of his employees. The worker dug with his hands in a vain effort to save the 78-year-old man, but the farmer died, authorities said Monday.
Dennis P. Lenzen, of Dahgren Township, was installing drainage tile in his farm field about 2:15 p.m. Sunday along County Road 43, just south of Hwy. 212, according to the Carver County Sheriff's Office. As he stood in the ditch, an employee pushed in dirt meant to support the tile.
The worker "accidentally buried alive" Lenzen, called authorities for help "and attempted to dig him out by hand," a statement from the Sheriff's Office read.
Emergency responders arrived and began lifesaving efforts. Lenzen was declared dead at the scene.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
