The operator of a tile trenching machine suffered non-incapacitating injuries Wednesday morning in Page County, when a nut came loose on the steering wheel. Sheriff Lyle Palmer reports 31-year old John Mather, of Clarinda, was taken to the Shenandoah Memorial Hospital following the accident, which occurred at around 11:20-a.m. Wednesday, about 2-miles southwest of Coin.

The sheriff says Mather was operating a 2001 Hydro-Max 2600 field tile trencher southbound on F Avenue, when the steering wheel nut came loose. Mather tried to steer the machine but was unable to keep it from entering the west ditch and rolling onto its left side. Mather was able to jump from the trencher before it rolled. He was found on the ground in front of the machine and transported by private vehicle to the hospital, for treatment of his injuries.  According to reports, Mather has since been transferred to the trauma center at Creighton University in Omaha where he was undergoing treatment for multiple injuries.

The trencher sustained $300,000 damage, and was declared a total loss.