Maintenance Worker Rescued After Being Trapped in Gas Station Sign 130 Feet High

An Illinois maintenance worker was trapped inside a gas station sign at a height of 130 feet for over six hours on Tuesday. AJ Gow was performing repair work on the sign near Interstate 55 when his telescopic boom lift malfunctioned shortly before 11:00 a.m. The Wilmington Fire Protection District received a call about the stranded worker around 2:00 p.m. and dispatched its Technical Rescue Team, which specializes in confined space and high angle rescues. Upon arrival, the team discovered that their 100-foot ladders were insufficient for the rescue, as there were no ladders or stairs built into the sign pole. Deputy Chief Todd Friddle stated that the victim's location exceeded the capabilities of the fire department's ladder truck. The fire department located a boom lift 17 miles away that could reach Gow's height and transported it to the site. Meanwhile, an aerial drone monitored Gow, who was able to signal a thumbs-up. At approximately 4:00 p.m., Gow was safely brought down without injuries to himself or the rescuers. He expressed gratitude to the local officials for their assistance, stating on Facebook, "Thank you to every department that showed up for me today. It was greatly appreciated!" Gow reported feeling severe dehydration and anxiety but stated that he is otherwise fine.