Teen Critically Hurt in Abandoned Missile Silo Fall; Two Others Rescued

A group of teenagers gained access to an abandoned missile silo by crawling through a broken gate, leading to the critical injury of one and charges of trespassing for another.

Teenager Sustains Critical Injuries in Fall into Abandoned Missile Silo

An 18-year-old male high school student suffered serious injuries after falling approximately 30 feet inside an abandoned missile silo near Deer Trail, Colorado, prompting a rescue operation involving multiple agencies.

According to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, the teen and his friends gained access to the silo by crawling through a broken gate at its entrance around 3:30 a.m. Sunday. Two uninjured friends who had remained with the victim until help arrived were rescued from the silo around 6 a.m.

Thirty minutes later, rescue crews reached the injured victim, who was removed from the silo at 8:30 a.m. and airlifted to a hospital by Airlife Denver with severe injuries. He is expected to survive but may face charges.

An 18-year-old male who was inside the silo received a summons for third-degree criminal trespass. The other teenagers present at the scene, including five juveniles who were located above ground, were released to their parents and could potentially face trespassing charges.

Investigators revealed that all the individuals involved attend high schools in the Cherry Creek Schools district in the Denver metro area. The silo, abandoned since the 1960s, was described by rescuers as a hazardous environment filled with "twisted metal, collapsed floors, concrete pieces everywhere."

Due to the lack of cell phone reception inside the silo, the injured teen was fortunate to have received medical attention promptly. Firefighters from Sable Altura Fire, Bennett-Watkins Fire, South Metro Fire Rescue, Agate Fire Rescue, and Deer Trail Fire Rescue assisted in the rescue effort.

The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with trespassing on abandoned properties, especially those that are unsecured or contain hazardous materials. Parents and caregivers are urged to emphasize the importance of safety and responsible behavior, particularly when exploring unfamiliar areas.