Window Washers Trapped on Scaffolding Dangling From One World Trade Center

Publish date: 2024-05-04

Two window washers were rescued after being trapped on a dangling scaffolding in downtown Manhattan, CBS New York reported.

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The window-washing scaffolding is now hanging from the 1 World Trade Center skyscraper near the 68th floor. The workers were secured in the scaffolding after a cable broke and it began to hang from the building.

"The washers were done cleaning the windows and were about to ascend to to the top of the tower when the cable that pulls the scaffold up became loose," CBS New York reported. 

Brendan McDermid/Reuters/Amanda Macias/Business Insider

The windows on 1 World Trade Center aren't removable, so rescue workers had to cut through the glass on the building to free the workers, according to ABC7 New York.

New York fire department officials said the workers didn't appear to be in "imminent danger" while they were waiting to be rescued, according to NBC 4 New York. Authorities say, the men was dangling at a 75-degree angle with a steady 7-mph wind pushing the platform.

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Brendan McDermid/Reuters

NBC 4 New York reporter Melissa Russo was on the scene and explained the rescue plan from a source inside the building.

"The primary plan of attack will be to cut out a large pane of glass from a windows and they use a sort of suction machinery to bring the glass pane into the building. At that point from a nearby window they will run an additional line to the workers harness and rescuer's will try to lift them into the side of the building," Russo said.

At approximately 3 p.m., firefighters were able to cut through three layers of glass and pull both men inside of the building one at a time. 

Here is the first worker stepping off of the platform into the building:

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Screenshot/NBC

Juan Lizama and Juan Lopez, are employed by Upgrade Services, a company under contract by Port Authority, NBC 4 New York reports. 

One worker after being rescued by FDNY. DNAinfo/Twitter

The company did not have an immediate comment, although management represenative was cooperating at the scene during the rescue, according to NBC 4 New York.

"They knew what to do. They're highly trained. They know how to secure themselves. These guys are like the most trained guys in New York City," a colleague reportedly told DNAinfo New York.

The men were stranded for approximately 90-minutes.

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Officials said both men were taken to the hospital for evaluation.

This was the scene after both men were rescued:

Mike Segar/Reuters

One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 1,776-feet.

Stranded window washers hang on the side of 1 World Trade Center in New York November 12, 2014. Mike Segar/Reuters

Here's where the window washers were in relation to the rest of the building:

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EarthCam view of scaffolding dangling from 69th floor of One World Trade Center ... 2 people on it.. NYPD on scene pic.twitter.com/e9RMIyrF8E

— Jason Morrell (@CNNJason) November 12, 2014

Here's the view from the 68th floor:

Now: #FDNY rescuing workers trapped on scaffolding outside 1 World Trade Center. View from the 68th floor. pic.twitter.com/3c7Oi8EZPD

— FDNY (@FDNY) November 12, 2014

Here are some more photos:

Port Authority: Window washers stuck near 68th floor of One World Trade after apparent cable break - @JoshMargolin pic.twitter.com/F3q6mqVB7f

— Micah Grimes (@MicahGrimes) November 12, 2014

Window washing platform collapsing on 1 WTC bldg - just drove by pic.twitter.com/NZIsno6vNQ

— Zachary Prensky (@Zackfoot) November 12, 2014

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