Burning Man Attendee Rescued After 55-Foot Fall From Camp Tower

Emergency Crews Scale 10-Level Structure

Emergency crews responded to the Square One camp at approximately 6:20 p.m. on September 1 after an attendee fell from near the top of the camp's 10-level Nest Tower. The man had fallen two levels from the 55-foot-tall structure, according to witnesses who spoke with SFGATE.

Bystanders said the man landed on a metal crossbar during the fall. He appeared to strike his head, ribs and hip, although officials have not released details about his injuries.

Aerial Platform Used to Extract Injured Man

Reaching the injured attendee presented another challenge. Some emergency responders climbed the structure and stabilized the man while another crew cleared space below. A construction vehicle then entered the camp carrying an aerial platform that crews raised to his position.

Responders loaded the man onto the platform before carefully lowering him back to the playa. Medical personnel transferred him to a gurney and checked his vital signs. When they asked his age, he responded that he was 30. An ambulance then transported him to Rampart, Burning Man's temporary hospital.

First Injury Since 2021 Installation

The emergency unfolded during Tutu Tuesday, when participants across Black Rock City wear tutus. The injured attendee was wearing one at the time of the accident. About half of the emergency crew responding to the fall were also dressed in tutus as they carried out the rescue.

Square One camp leaders Lee and Gaby Merschon told SFGATE that their camp has constructed the Nest Tower at Burning Man since 2021. They have made the structure taller over successive years and said Tuesday's incident marked its first injury.

The rescue occurred during an event already dealing with several disruptions. Heavy rain later turned sections of the playa into thick mud and forced organizers to temporarily close Burning Man's entrance and airport. The festival continues through September 7 in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. No further update on the attendee's condition has been made public.