Friday 13th - Window Washer Survives 13-Story Fall

The $450 million Children's of Alabama hospital is scheduled to open this summer.

Window washer survives 13-story fall down new Children's hospital in Birmingham: Birmingham, Alabama — Authorities say a window washer plunged 13 stories down the side of an Alabama hospital tower and survived the harrowing fall. WBRC-TV reports that safety equipment slowed the descent of the worker. Authorities say he fell in mulch at the base of the building, which is under construction at Children's of Alabama in Birmingham on Thursday. WBRC reports that the worker was outside the building's 13th floor and preparing to clean the windows when he fell to the ground. Children's of Alabama spokeswoman Rachel Olis says the 14-story building has been under construction but is nearing completion and is scheduled to open this summer. Details on the worker's condition were not immediately available. Doug Ecker of Hoar Construction says the worker is a subcontractor of an Atlanta construction firm.

Window washer survives 13-story fall from highrise -  Worker's safety gear slowed his descent. Authorities say a window washer plunged 13 stories down the side of an Alabama hospital tower and survived the fall. Birmingham Fire Batallion Chief C.W. Mardis says the worker was getting onto a platform outside the building Thursday when his safety equipment malfunctioned. Mardis says the worker's safety gear slowed his descent somewhat, and he was fortunate to land in an area with newly planted bushes and mulch, which might have broken his fall. Mardis says the worker was conscious when he was taken to UAB Hospital, where he's recovering. Doug Ecker of Hoar Construction says the worker is affiliated with an Atlanta construction firm. Children's of Alabama spokeswoman Rachel Olis says the 14-story building has been under construction but is nearing completion and is scheduled to open this summer.