Person Climbs Radio Mast in Espoo, Descends Safely After Hours-Long Operation
A person climbed a radio mast on Pellavakaskentie in Espoo on Wednesday evening, prompting a multi-agency response that lasted several hours. The incident was first reported to emergency services at 19:48, with authorities confirming the alert shortly after.
Ilta-Sanomat (IS) reports that the Helsinki Police Command Center received the initial call, and movement within the premises of the public broadcasting station was immediately restricted. Several authorities, including police and rescue services, were dispatched to the scene. An eyewitness told IS that shouting could be heard intermittently from the area near the mast.
According to Iltalehti, the operation involved around ten units from police and rescue services. The Western Uusimaa Rescue Department confirmed receiving the alert at 19:48, while the Western Finland Police stated that the climber eventually descended on their own. The police preliminarily suspect the individual of disturbing public order, noting that unauthorized climbing always results in an offence report.
Authorities emphasized the severe risks associated with climbing radio masts. Iltalehti highlights that such structures contain high-power transmission antennas, exposing climbers to dangerous levels of radio frequency (RF) radiation. Unlike other forms of radiation, RF radiation is undetectable by human senses, penetrating the skin and affecting internal organs. Potential long-term effects include eye damage, though symptoms may not appear immediately.
The police reiterated that climbing masts without proper permission, training, or safety equipment is strictly prohibited and life-threatening. The warning follows a tragic incident last December in Teisko, Tampere, where a person under 18 fell from a radio mast and died.