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ELGIN — A recovery operation is underway for three bodies found inside a cistern in the middle of a cornfield.
According to Bastrop County deputies, a 911 call that came in shortly after midnight Wednesday, Aug. 9, reported three people had fallen into the hole after chasing a dog into the field near the 300 block of New Trail near County Line Road.
When deputies arrived, they found the three bodies inside the cavity along with the animal.
The identities of the victims have not been released.
As of 2:30 p.m., crews were still ventilating the hole for unsafe air and sewer gas before any retrieval could take place.
By 4 p.m., heavy equipment moved in and began removing debris.
Sheriff Maurice Cook said he believes the deaths may have been an accident, but the investigation continues.
Travis County law enforcement also is assisting in the operation, according to early reports, and hazardous-materials personnel were on site.
Information will be updated as it becomes available.
Check back at the Elgin Courier website at https://www.elgincourier.com/ for more and pick up a copy of the paper next week for additional details.
Staff Writer Hunter Dworaczyk contributed to this report.
