Local News
Family Devastated After Drowning of 6-Year-Old Girl at Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel
St. Louis, MO — A family is mourning the loss of 6-year-old Lailah Austin, who tragically drowned while attending a party at the Element St. Louis Midtown Hotel on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to the hotel, located in the 3700 block of Forest Park Avenue, around 8:30 p.m. after receiving a report from hotel staff who discovered the child unresponsive in the indoor pool.
Emergency responders rushed Lailah to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in critical, unstable condition.
Despite medical efforts, Lailah succumbed to her injuries and passed away on Monday, January 20.
Her family is heartbroken, especially as they were preparing to celebrate her upcoming 7th birthday this Sunday.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has classified the incident as an “accidental injury” and has assigned its Child Abuse Unit to lead the investigation. Authorities have not released additional details at this time.
The tragic incident remains under investigation, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Lailah’s family, friends, and the community are rallying together to remember the young girl and support her loved ones during this difficult time.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A ground collision involving two United Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft occurred at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), prompting the cancellation of both flights and the deplaning of all passengers.
The incident took place during routine operations when one aircraft was undergoing pushback from the gate and made contact with a second 777 that was taxiing nearby.
The aircraft involved were designated as United Flight 877 and United Flight 863.
Following the collision, visible damage was reported on both aircraft.
As a safety precaution, both flights were immediately canceled. Passengers were safely deplaned, and no injuries have been reported at this time.
Airport operations were not significantly disrupted, though ground crews and airline personnel responded swiftly to secure the area and assess the extent of the damage.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are expected to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
United Airlines has issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience to passengers and confirming that safety remains its top priority.
Additional details will be provided as the investigation progresses.