Rural McHenry County barn flattened in storm; Dozens of farm animals survive

HARVARD, ILL. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Dozens of farm animals were rescued after a barn collapse in Harvard, Illinois near the Wisconsin border Tuesday afternoon.

When firefighters arrived just after 2:30 p.m., they found a two-story barn on Weidner Road in unincorporated McHenry County had been flattened.

The Harvard Fire Protection District said the collapse of the 30-by-50 foot-long structure created a void on the lower level that saved almost all the animals.

Neighbors used heavy machinery to help move the debris, and firefighters rescued 24 sheep, 18 goats, a cow and several chickens and ducks.

Four animals died and two were unaccounted for.

No humans were hurt. The department believes heavy rain and straight line winds played a role.

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