Virginia: Window washers dangle 15 stories high from Tysons One Place in terrifying scaffolding malfunction
A pair of high-rise window washers were given the fright of their lives after a scaffolding malfunction left them dangling 15 stories in the air.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) in Virginia, USA, were called out to the 7900 block of Tysons One Place on Thursday morning over a “high-angle emergency.
When firefighters arrived, they were shocked to find two people suspended above the ground from a window-washing basket that had malfunctioned.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The rescue unit moved swiftly, heading to the rooftop and analysed the arduous situation ahead.
“(The rescue crew) evaluated anchor options for rope systems, surveyed potential edge hazards, assessed wind conditions, and attempted to determine the stability of the compromised scaffold,” The FCFRD said.
With little time to waste a plan was hatched, and two rescue crews began construction on a twin-tension rope lowering system.
“The systems were anchored to structural steel beams using redundant anchors and protected with edge-management equipment,” they said.
When all the preparations were completed, the FCFRD rescuer began the delicate task of going over the edge of the building to be lowered down to the workers.
Once he arrived at the frightful window washers, the firey secured him into the rope system and both were lowered down the tower into a ladder bucket below.
After the first rescue was done, they had to repeat the process before both were safely on ground.
Video footage of the rescue operation was shared to social media, showing the extreme lengths that the brave public servants went to.
“We are extremely proud of our technical rescue members,” the department posted on social media.
“Thanks to their expertise there were no injuries and everyone went home safe.”
Social media users were quick to praise the department for their bravery and commended the team’s work.
“Incredible work and thank you for all the amazing continuing training that makes this look easy,” one commented.
“This is so impressive… not just that personnel have the expertise to do so, but can do so in such short order with little to no notice,” another wrote.
While a third added, “absolutely amazing, the best crew ever, all safe and alive. Congrats”.
