Safety alert: Going, going, gone! Stadium light poles deemed unsafe

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a safety alert warning that light towers used to illuminate school ball fields and public parks are being recalled due to a risk of the giant poles falling,

At least nine of the steel poles made by Whitco Co. LP toppled between 2000 and 2006 -- including one that went through a school gymnasium and another that crushed a section of bleachers, the CPSC said. Cracks and fractures have been found in at least 50 more poles adjacent to the weld that joins the pole to the base.

Whitco is out of business, the CPSC said. The safety agency is urging any facility with these light posts to have them inspected immediately. And, the CPSC said, other posts made by other companies should also be routinely inspected.

The CPSC has no reports of injuries from the poles falling, but notes they are up to 135 feet tall and weigh up to 4 tons -- posing a serious risk in the event of future collapses.

Those with questions are asked to call the CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or e-mail info@cpsc.gov.