An Eastern grounds employee fell from a motorized lift Wednesday around 1:30 p.m.

The name of the man is unknown at this time.

The extent of his injuries are also unknown.

The incident occurred by the south side of Thut Greenhouse. Members of The Daily Eastern News staff witnessed the man being lifted into an ambulance with a neck brace on.

He was transported by the Charleston Fire Department from campus and then airlifted to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana for further evaluation and treatment, according to Josh Reinhart, Eastern’s public information coordinator.

CFD Chief Steve Bennett said he could not confirm if the department had taken someone with injuries from Eastern’s campus.

Kent Martin, university police department chief, said Charleston ambulances typically take patients to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.

Martin said he was unsure of how the situation unfolded.

“We’re still trying to piece all of that together. We don’t all of the information on that yet,” Martin said.

Four UPD police officers and three grounds employees were in the area.

Here is Eastern’s statement on the matter:

“Our thoughts are with the employee and his family.”

The News Staff can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected]