Base jumper trapped in parachute on Lahti radio mast – legal jumps now banned

Legal base jumps from the Lahti radio masts have been permanently prohibited following a near-fatal incident, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Radio and TV Museum Foundation, which owns the masts, banned the activity last autumn after a jumper became entangled in the structure during an organised event. According to foundation director Jukka Andersson, it was the second serious incident in recent years, prompting the decision to prevent further risks.

“After consulting with Lahti city legal experts, we concluded that our liability waiver would not fully protect the foundation in case of a fatal accident,” Andersson said. “The board, representing Yle and the city, was unwilling to bear that responsibility.”

The 200-metre masts had been a rare legal base-jumping site, attracting international jumpers. Previously, participants required permits from both the foundation and the city, signed liability waivers, and notified emergency services. However, Andersson confirmed there would be no reversal of the ban.

Yle is a partial owner of the Radio and TV Museum Foundation.