High-Angle Rescue at KSDK TV Tower Ends Safely

St. Louis Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Wednesday afternoon, the Affton Fire Protection District responded to a high-angle rescue at the KSDK TV Tower on Heege Road after a trespasser began climbing the structure.

According to officials, the individual had hopped the fence after the workday and started ascending the tower. Tower personnel used their hoist system to intercept the climber and prevent him from reaching the top antenna. The situation escalated when the climber resisted, prompting a tower worker to restrain him while securing himself to the structure.

Fire crews from Affton, Maplewood, and Mehlville coordinated a rescue plan. Using the tower’s hoist system, three rescuers were lifted approximately 850 feet to reach the climber. Once at the top, the rescuers helped secure the individual in a harness and safely lowered him in the hoist basket. The climber was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation.

No injuries were reported among the tower worker or rescue personnel.