An 18-year-old male fell about 30 feet inside an abandoned missile silo near Deer Trail, Colorado. The teen and his friends gained access by crawling through a broken gate at the entrance. Two uninjured friends of the victim were rescued from the silo, while rescue crews reached the injured victim 30 minutes later. The injured teen was removed from the silo at 8:30 a.m. and taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Along with the three teens inside the silo, five juveniles were contacted above ground, and one 18-year-old male received a summons for third-degree criminal trespass.
The injured victim, who is expected to survive, may also face a trespassing charge. The other teens involved were released to their parents pending possible trespassing charges. All of the individuals involved attend Cherry Creek Schools high schools in the Denver metro area. The abandoned silo has been unused since the 1960s and was described as a mess with twisted metal, collapsed floors, and concrete pieces everywhere. Rescuers noted that there was no cellphone reception inside the silo, and the injured teen was lucky to be alive.
The rescue operation involved firefighters from various departments including Sable Altura Fire, Bennett-Watkins Fire, South Metro Fire Rescue, Agate Fire Rescue, and Deer Trail Fire Rescue. The incident highlights the dangers of trespassing in abandoned structures, especially those that are unsafe and pose a risk to individuals who enter them without permission. The response from first responders was swift and coordinated, resulting in the successful rescue of the injured teen and the safe removal of the other individuals from the silo.
Local TV station FOX31 Denver reported on the incident, bringing attention to the potential risks of exploring abandoned buildings and structures. The situation serves as a reminder for parents and teens about the importance of obeying warning signs and not entering restricted areas. The injured teen’s recovery will hopefully serve as a cautionary tale for others who may consider trespassing in dangerous locations. The incident also underscores the critical role that first responders play in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals who find themselves in emergency situations.
As the investigation into the incident continues, it is likely that charges will be filed against those involved in the trespassing incident. The outcome of the case will serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate engaging in similar risky behavior. The cooperation between law enforcement, first responders, and the media in reporting on the incident demonstrates the importance of community awareness and collaboration in preventing such incidents in the future. Ultimately, the goal is to educate the public about the potential dangers of trespassing in abandoned structures and promote safe and responsible behavior to avoid accidents and injuries in the future.
