New York Window Washers Rescued - 46th Floor Hearst Tower

Two window washers are stuck outside the 46th floor of the skyscraper as rescuers stuggle to save them.

Window washers dangling outside 46th floor of legendary Hearst building - Window washers hung out to dry: 2 workers hang perilously above Midtown Manhattan after scaffolding collapses as rescuers race to their aid. Two window washers were dangling from outside the 46th story of a midtown skyscraper Wednesday afternoon, after their scaffolding suddenly collapsed, authorities said.

Firefighters were still trying to rescue the trapped workers after they were called to the Hearst building on W. 57th St. and Eighth Ave. about 2:45 p.m., said authorities. The workers were cleaning windows on the side of the building, officials said. It was not immediately clear what may have caused the accident.

The two were cleaning windows when their scaffolding gave way.

Scaffold Collapses On Hearst Tower In Midtown - 2 Window Washers Trapped About 45 Stories Above The Ground (NEW YORK) – Two window washers are trapped on a collapsed scaffold high above the streets of Midtown Manhattan. The window washers are trapped near the 45th floor of the Hearst Tower at 57th Street and 8th Avenue. The long, metallic scaffold appears to have buckled in the middle, creating a “V”-shape. The window washers appear to be on either side of the site of the buckling. They seem to be resting comfortably and communicating with firefighters above. Footage from the scene showed the two men wearing harnesses on the scaffold and firefighters nearby at the top of the building, which is 46 stories tall. Firefighters have stretched a safety line to at least one of the workers. Two firefighters can be seen lying on their stomachs at the top of the tower, observing the situation below. The collapse began at around 2:40 p.m.

Dozens of firefighters responded to the scene to try to rescue the men, who are conscious and communicating with responders. Firefighters could be seen on the roof of the tower as well as behind the windows on a floor level with the platform. Both men are wearing safety harnesses. The first responders have lowered additional lines to them.

The FDNY has responded and is undertaking a “high angle rescue.” Firefighters are opening a window on the 44th floor to bring the workers to safety, the FDNY said via Twitter. Wind gusts are a significant factor for effecting the rescue. Wind gusts were at least 25-30 mph at street level, CBS 2′s Vanessa Murdock reported. Gusts at 46 stories are expected to be stronger. 57th Street is closed eastbound from 8th to 9th Avenue and westbound from 7th to 9th Avenue. The Hearst Building is famous for its unusual triangular framing pattern. The framing required a different type of window washing apparatus, manufactured by Tractel-Swingstage, according to a published report. The apparatus is suspended by six wire ropes to the anchoring mechanism above, according to the report. The scaffolding is monitored by a series of dozens of sensors, according to the report.