KLTV Tower Collapses

KLTV, the ABC affiliate in Tyler, Texas, reported that its main broadcast tower collapsed the morning of Feb. 3. The tower was located near the Red Springs community about 10 miles north of Tyler. Residents around the tower reported hearing the sound of metal crashing around 7:30 a.m., the same time KLTV went off the air. KLTV reported that the tower was more than 1,078 feet tall.

Investigators have not determined a reason for the collapse, but did not believe that weather was a factor. A DTV antenna was added to the tower late last year.

KLTV is working to provide direct feeds to cable companies and DirecTV and Dish satellite distributors. The transmitter was apparently undamaged and the station is attempting to move it to a different location to resume broadcasting with reduced power.

See the KLTV 7 News Broadcast Tower Update for more information. Also see the KWTX TV story Texas TV Tower Collapses.