Authorities Issue Warning After Snow Blower Incident Leaves Man With Injuries

MARENGO, IL — A man in McHenry County suffered "deep lacerations" to several of his fingers while trying to clear his clogged snow blower over the weekend, according to authorities.

The Marengo Fire & Rescue District was called to the 600 block of West Prairie Street in Marengo at about 2 p.m. on Saturday for a snow blower related injury, according to the news release from the fire district. When emergency crews arrived, they found a man who had suffered deep lacerations to multiple fingers after attempting to clear a clog in the machine, according to the news release.

Paramedics provided care to the man and then transported him to a hospital in the Rockford area for further treatment.

Following the incident, emergency responders are reminding residents that heavy and wet snow can clog snow blowers and other similar equipment quickly. Attempting to reach inside a chute to clear the clogged snow can lead to serious injuries, according to the news release.

Authorities said these types of injuries can happen even when the snow blower is powered off.

"Residents are reminded to fully shut off equipment, wait for all moving parts to stop, and avoid placing their hands in the chute or anywhere near the front opening where the blades turn," according to a news release from the Marengo Fire & Rescue District. "Taking simple precautions and remembering to use a clearing tool can significantly reduce the risk of injury."