Local News
5 Injured After Boat Explosion on Lanier Islands During Fourth of July Holiday
ATLANTA, Ga. — Five individuals were hospitalized following a boat explosion and subsequent fire on Lake Lanier Thursday evening, according to Hall County Fire Rescue officials.
The incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. near Margaritaville at Lanier Islands.
Hall County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), responded to assist firefighters at the scene.
A nearby Hall County Fire Rescue boat witnessed the explosion and reached the burning vessel within minutes.
Upon arrival, crews found five individuals on board, all of whom sustained injuries.
One pediatric patient was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.
Four others were transported via ambulance — three to Grady Memorial Hospital and one to Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NEGMC) in Gainesville.
All five victims were reported to be in stable condition at the time of transport.
The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation by local authorities.
The incident occurred amid Fourth of July celebrations, drawing heightened attention due to the holiday weekend activity on the lake.
Local News
High-Angle Rescue in Progress After Teen Climbs 900-Foot KSDK TV Transmission Tower in Affton
AFFTON, MO — Emergency crews are conducting a high-angle rescue operation in Affton, Missouri, after a 17-year-old male reportedly climbed nearly 900 feet up a television transmission tower belonging to local station KSDK on Heege Road.
According to officials with the Lemay Fire Protection District, the call for assistance came in around 2:30 p.m. when witnesses reported seeing the teenager scaling the tower.
Responding units from both the Affton Fire Protection District and Lemay Fire Protection District quickly arrived on scene and established a command post at the base of the structure.
Fire officials confirmed that the individual, described as a 17-year-old male, was observed barefoot and positioned approximately 850 feet above the ground.
Authorities say they believe the teen may be under the influence of alcohol or another substance, though that has not been confirmed.
Specialized technical rescue teams are currently coordinating efforts to reach and safely bring the teen down from the tower.
The operation is described as extremely dangerous and complex, given the height and structural conditions.
Law enforcement personnel have secured the surrounding area, and roads near the tower have been closed as a precaution while emergency crews work.
This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.