Two NYC window washers go for wild ride 78 stories up before being rescued by FDNY

Two window washers narrowly escaped tragedy in New York City after a harrowing ordeal on the side of a skyscraper. On Friday morning, at around 9:45 a.m., the scaffolding they were working on suddenly broke free while they were perched 78 floors up. The structure was then battered by powerful winds, slamming into the glass facade of the building and shattering multiple panes. Miraculously, both workers survived the terrifying incident, thanks to the quick and heroic actions of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

The FDNY responded swiftly to the emergency after receiving reports of workers trapped on the scaffolding at 25 Columbus Circle. Deputy Chief Michael Trahan described the chaotic scene upon arrival, saying the scaffolding was swinging violently, smashing into the building, and sending shards of glass cascading onto the street below. The FDNY immediately secured the area, ensuring pedestrians were safe and out of harm’s way. When rescue crews reached the 78th floor, they were met with a grim sight: glass littered the area, and a window had been blown out, leaving the scaffolding precariously unstable.

Lieutenant Nicholas Schneider of Ladder 4 was among the first responders to confront the danger. He recalled feeling a strong gust of wind upon entering the 78th floor, which confirmed his suspicion that a window had been shattered. The scaffolding was twisting and swaying ominously, and the two workers were left dangling in mid-air, their lives hanging in the balance. Schneider and his team quickly assessed the situation and noticed that while the workers were wearing harnesses, they were not secured to any safety lines—a critical oversight that could have cost them their lives.

The rescue operation was perilous for both the firefighters and the stranded workers. Schneider explained that the FDNY team had to act with precision and speed to prevent a catastrophic outcome. Using a lifesaving rope, they carefully secured the scaffolding to stabilize it before turning their attention to the two workers. The firefighters tied safety lines to each of the men, ensuring their Harnesses were properly anchored. Once the workers were secure, the rescue team began the delicate process of pulling them to safety. Every movement had to be calculated, as the scaffolding remained unstable, and the wind continued to pose a threat.

The operation was fraught with danger, not just for the workers but also for the firefighters. Schneider emphasized the enormity of the risk, noting that the rescue team was essentially operating on the ledge of a 78-story building. The slightest misstep could have had devastating consequences. Despite the challenges, the FDNY crew remained steadfast, relying on their training and expertise to navigate the treacherous conditions. Their bravery and ingenuity ultimately saved the lives of the two window washers, who were left visibly shaken but otherwise unharmed.

Once the workers were safely pulled to the 78th floor, they were evaluated by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crews. Both men were treated for minor injuries and later transported to NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center, where they were listed in stable condition. Deputy Chief Trahan later updates that both workers were fortunate to have escaped with their lives, calling the incident a stark reminder of the dangers faced by high-rise construction and maintenance workers in one of the world’s most iconic skylines. The incident also highlighted the critical role of first responders in such high-stakes situations, where every second counts and every decision can mean the difference between life and death.