Operator escapes as skidsteer slides into burn pit near Oak Lake

A skidsteer is lost when it slides into a burn pit.

Brookings County Assistant Sheriff Scott Sebring says it happened about 7:30 Wednesday morning near Oak Lake at 19775 484th Avenue.

Sebring says the controlled burn had been called in earlier. Logs and downed trees were being burned in a gravel pit. The man operating the skidsteer attempted to add to the pile when the side of the gravel pit gave way. The skidsteer slid into the pit.

The operator managed to escape without injury. The skidsteer is a complete loss with an estimated value of $38,000.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

April 22, 2021