On October 28, 2026, at 3:59 p.m., the Litchfield Fire Department was dispatched to 420 North Monroe Street, commonly known as the Elk Tower Apartment Building, after receiving a report that a
wall had fallen on a man. Upon arrival, Chief 800 identified a partial building collapse involving an injured man in the bucket of a
man lift. Command immediately requested additional Litchfield Fire personnel, the Springfield Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team, and an ambulance from Hillsboro Area Ambulance to provide
coverage for the Litchfield community.
With the remaining wall's stability uncertain, firefighters monitored for shifting material and falling debris while clearing people from the immediate hazard area. Due to the man’s serious injuries and
the potential for additional collapse, crews performed an emergency rescue. Firefighters used hydraulic extrication cutters to remove a section of the lift’s railing, allowing them to move the patient
onto a backboard and out of the hazard area.
Litchfield Fire personnel stabilized the patient and transported him to the helipad at HSHS St. Francis Hospital. Care was transferred to ARCH Air Medical personnel, who transported him to Saint Louis University Hospital. No further information regarding the patient’s condition is available for release.
The Springfield Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team was canceled after Litchfield personnel successfully completed the rescue.
Following the rescue, access to the passageway between the buildings was barricaded to prevent entry. The Litchfield Police Department secured the area until Litchfield Public Works installed fencing to block access to the alleyway. The Litchfield Building Inspector also responded.

This coordinated response required quick action to rescue the patient while managing the threat of additional falling debris. Cooperation among Fire, EMS, Police, Public Works, and the Building Inspector allowed the incident to be effectively mitigated while maintaining the safety of responders, building occupants, and the public.
Following completion of the emergency response, the building was released to the building owner. All Litchfield Fire Department units cleared the scene and returned to service at 5:55 p.m.
The Litchfield Fire Department thanks all responding personnel and assisting agencies for their support.