NYC Window Washers' Miraculous Escape

Two window washers had a terrifying experience when their scaffolding malfunctioned 78 stories above New York City. The scaffolding broke free, swinging wildly against the building and shattering windows before the FDNY arrived.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/02/1200/675/fdny-members-rescued-two-people-trapped-on-scaffolding-2.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="FDNY rescue operation">

The incident unfolded at 25 Columbus Circle around 9:45 a.m. on Friday. Deputy Chief Michael Trahan described the scene: "When units pulled up, the scaffolding was swinging around, smashing into the building. There was glass all over the street."

FDNY crews secured the area and ascended to the 78th floor, where they found the workers unsecured, despite wearing harnesses. Lieutenant Nicholas Schneider described the dangerous rescue: "They were swinging back and forth, and the scaffolding was twisting. They weren't tied off... But for some reason, they were not secured to any sort of safety lines."

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/02/1200/675/fdny-members-rescued-two-people-trapped-on-scaffolding-4.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="FDNY rescue operation">

Using a lifesaving rope, the FDNY secured the scaffolding and rescued the two workers. Both were transported to NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center in stable condition.

The incident highlights the critical importance of safety measures in high-rise window washing. The rescue was incredibly dangerous for both the workers and the first responders.