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.
A Mexican military medical aircraft carrying eight people crashed into Galveston Bay near the Interstate 45 Causeway on the Galveston side, prompting an active search-and-rescue response, according to preliminary information.
Emergency radio traffic indicated that the aircraft, identified via flight-tracking data as belonging to the Mexican Navy, went down in the water shortly after entering the area.
Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene as the plane was reported to be slowly submerging.
Scanner reports indicated that at least one individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Another person was transported to a hospital with cardiopulmonary resuscitation in progress, while a female occupant reportedly sustained a compound fracture. Rescuers were also performing CPR on the pilot at the scene as recovery efforts continued.
Authorities stated that search operations were ongoing to ensure all occupants were accounted for and to secure the aircraft.
Officials have not yet released the identities of those on board or confirmed the cause of the crash.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses and information is officially verified.