An 18-year-old individual sustained life-threatening injuries after a 20-storey fall while climbing an abandoned elevator shaft.
The incident occurred on August 3 in Minneapolis when a group of teenagers, including the injured teenager, were trespassing at the decommissioned Checkerboard Grain Elevator around 8:30 p.m. The Minneapolis Police Department reported that the teenager plummeted hundreds of feet onto a platform below.
After witnessing the fall, the teenager’s friends contacted the police, initially fearing the worst. Emergency responders, including police and firefighters, arrived at the scene and utilized a ladder truck to administer immediate medical assistance.
The injured teenager, whose identity remains undisclosed, was rushed to Hennepin Healthcare in critical condition. As of now, there have been no updates on the individual’s health status.
Minneapolis Police Sgt. Garrett Parten described the incident, highlighting the teenager’s miraculous survival despite hanging from a beam before falling. He emphasized the risks of engaging in illegal and perilous activities for the sake of adventure.
Local residents near the site have expressed concerns about frequent trespassing incidents at the abandoned structure, with one resident mentioning a dangerous activity known as a ‘dead arm hang.’
In response to the tragedy, Checkerboard LLC, the property owner, extended sympathies to the injured teenager and family. They assured cooperation with the ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
