An 18-year-old is in a life-threatening condition after falling 20 storeys while climbing an abandoned lift in Minneapolis. The incident occurred on Monday, August 3, at the decommissioned Checkerboard Grain Elevator.
The teenager was part of a group trespassing at the site around 8:30 p.m. local time when he fell hundreds of feet onto a platform below, according to the Minneapolis Police Department. His friends called police, believing he had not survived.
Emergency response and condition
Police and firefighters arrived and used a ladder truck to provide emergency medical care. The teenager, who has not been named, was taken to Hennepin Healthcare with life-threatening injuries. No further updates on his condition have been issued.
Police and community reaction
Minneapolis Police Sgt. Garrett Parten described the fall as "miraculous" in terms of survival, but stressed the dangers: "It’s sad because the reality is, this is an individual out having fun, seeking adventure, and made a bad decision that resulted in life-changing injuries. But while they are seeking fun and adventure, what they’re doing is illegal and extremely dangerous."
Residents near the site have raised concerns about frequent trespassers. Vox Payne, a nearby resident, described the activity as a "dead arm hang," where individuals hang from a pole with one arm.
Checkerboard LLC, the property owner, said its "thoughts are with the young man injured and his family," adding that the investigation is ongoing and they are committed to assisting.
