MILLS, Utah – A man injured in an industrial accident in Juab County Friday evening had both of his legs amputated above the knee and was flown to a hospital in extremely critical condition, and authorities said coworkers who rendered aid may have saved the man’s life.
According to the Juab County Sheriff’s Office, the 32-year-old male was working with a large piece of equipment of an unspecified type. Chief Deputy Alan Taylor said the incident occurred at Kuhnis sometime between 5 and 5:30 p.m.
He said the industrial business renders various scraps down into animal food, and he said the deputy he spoke with who responded to the scene wasn’t clear on exactly what kind of machine it was the man was using when the accident occurred.
Somehow, the man became entangled in the machine, and “both of the man’s legs were amputated above the knee,” according to a press release. Taylor said the man’s legs were cut off by the machine itself and not as part of an effort to extricate the man.
Taylor said the deputy he spoke with reported that the man’s coworkers were immediately able to offer assistance and help control the bleeding, and Taylor said, “they probably saved his life.”
The victim was flown by AirMed to Wasatch Front Hospital in extremely critical condition, and he was later taken to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, where family members said he has undergone the first of many surgeries.
The accident occurred in Mills, Utah, which is a small, unincorporated community in Juab County. Sheriff’s office personnel responded along with Levan Ambulance and AirMed.
The man’s family has identified him as John Vrana, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds to cover medical expenses and help support his family. Click here for details or to donate.
