No citations in deadly Illinois cornfield accident

TAMPICO — Federal officials say they will not file any citations after two young farm workers were electrocuted while removing tassels from corn in rural northwestern Illinois last summer.

OSHA spokesman Scott Allen said Wednesday that the July deaths near the village of Tampico were an “unfortunate accident.”

Eight people were injured and 14-year-olds Jade Garza and Hannah Kendall both died when they came into contact with a field irrigator. Allen said an investigation found lightening may have struck the field’s irrigation system. Allen says OSHA investigated R&J Enterprises of Illinois and Monsanto, which won’t be cited for health or safety issues.

Allen says OSHA has issued hazard alert letters to the companies, the land owners and Commonwealth Edison. OSHA also has issued notifications to the agricultural and electrical power industries.