Individual saved from a precarious 120-foot drop inside a derelict silo at a deserted cement factory in Upstate New York (pictures, clip)
Man Successfully Rescued from Abandoned Silo in Catskill
A daring rescue operation was carried out at the abandoned Lehigh Cement Company plant in Catskill, New York, on August 1, 2025, after a man fell approximately 120 feet into a silo.
The incident occurred around 10:30 pm, prompting emergency crews, including the Twin Cloves Technical Rescue Team, Cedar Grove Fire Company in Saugerties, Catskill Fire Department, and additional personnel from Rescue 3, the Kingston Fire Department, to respond to the scene.
The man, later identified as Luke H. Apy, had fallen down a shaft with a 3-by-3-foot opening at the top of the industrial plant. Despite the fall, Apy remained conscious but was trapped and unable to exit on his own.
To carry out the rescue, a rope rig was set up at the top of the silo. One rescuer descended into the silo and secured Apy in a harness. The man was then lifted back to the surface.
Apy was evaluated onsite and subsequently flown by medevac to Albany Medical Center, where he was treated for minor injuries. The current condition of Apy after treatment is not reported.
It is unclear why Apy was at the Lehigh Cement plant or the exact circumstances leading to his fall into the silo. The Lehigh Cement plant, closed since 1982, has become a popular spot for urban explorers.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with exploring old, abandoned sites. The Catskill Fire Company issued a statement cautioning the public about the risks involved.
During the operation, a TerrAdaptor, a specialized portable anchor system designed for technical rescues, was used. The entire operation, from entry to victim removal, took 15 minutes.
Two men had entered the abandoned cement plant illegally; both were arrested on charges of criminal trespass. The Lehigh Cement plant is secured by perimeter fencing to prevent unauthorised access.
- Despite the harrowing events at the Lehigh Cement plant in Catskill, New York, science and technology proved invaluable in the workplace-wellness sector, with the successful use of a TerrAdaptor, a specialized portable anchor system, during the rescue operation.
- In the realm of health and wellness, it's important to consider general news stories like the Catskill rescue operation, as they highlight risks associated with car-accidents-like activities, such as urban exploration.
- Police arrested two individuals for illegally entering the abandoned Lehigh Cement plant, reminding us of the potential legal repercussions that often accompany accidents like these in the headlines of workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness news.
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