A farmer and 16 of his cattle died in a tragic accident when a “deadly dome of air” formed in a manure holding tank on a Wisconsin farm.
Michael Biadasz, 29, of Amherst, Wisconsin, died from gas poisoning after being exposed to methane or sulfur oxide fumes. Thirteen cattle died initially, with three more following, bringing the total to 16.
Michael’s father, Bob Biadasz, explained the incident was caused by rare weather conditions that trapped gases in the tank. The trapped fumes poisoned Michael and the cattle when the tank was being prepared for pumping.
Michael was found dead by workers arriving to move the manure. An investigation is underway, as Michael had safely emptied that same tank many times before.
To honor Michael, his family lined up tractors and equipment near the farm. Many have called for tougher regulations on manure tanks to prevent similar accidents in the future.
This incident follows a similar one in 2007, when a Virginia family lost five members due to methane gas buildup caused by a pipe blockage.
