Scaffold Rescue in Fort Lauderdale

BLOG 2008 Aug 13

On my way back to the office, I saw a number of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue vehicles stopped at the White Egret condominium so I decided to investigate. Here was the scene when I arrived...

Workers hanging by safety lines at the White Egret, copyright 2008 Robert Giordano

Something broke or malfunctioned on a scaffold and two workers were left holding on for their lives, fifteen floors up. One was still holding on to the scaffold while another was dangling in mid air, held up by his safety line.

Workers hanging by safety lines at the White Egret, copyright 2008 Robert Giordano

As I arrived, a Fort Lauderdale fire engine was raising its ladder to begin the rescue. Firefighters were also in the building and on the roof.

Fire engine raises ladder for rescue, copyright 2008 Robert Giordano

Fort Lauderdale firefighter ascends the ladder to rescue a worker dangling from a safety harness, copyright 2008 Robert Giordano

A firefighter on the roof of the 17 story apartment building was lowered to the man clinging to the scaffold. Once connected to the firefighter, the worker was able to release himself from the scaffold and was brought to safety through a nearby apartment window. One man safe, one to go.

A Fort Lauderdale firefighter is lowered from the roof of a condominium to rescue a stranded worker, copyright 2008 Robert Giordano

I was in the middle of shooting the rescue, when a woman from the building came up to me and demanded to know if my truck was parked in a guest space. I raised an eyebrow and looked around. The building was surrounded by fire engines and rescue vehicles, two men were being rescued as they held on for their lives fifteen floors up, three television news helicopters were circling in the air, police had closed off the area with yellow "Do Not Cross" tape, and this woman wants to know if I'm in a guest space. I told her I didn't know and kept shooting. This is why I won't live in a condo.

The second worker had to be lifted a bit so his safety line could be disconnected. Another firefighter was lowered from the roof to assist the firefighter on the ladder and the second worker was brought to safety. A happy ending and a great job by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.

Fort Lauderdale firefighter ascends the ladder to rescue a worker at the White Egret, copyright 2008 Robert Giordano

Finally, a shot of the Local 10 News truck. Watch a video clip on their web site.

Local 10 News is on the scene, copyright 2008 Robert Giordano