News

Oct 20, 2024

Heroic rescue as scaffold dangles from Milwaukee courthouse

In a heart-stopping moment, two workers were rescued from a scaffold that hung off the Milwaukee courthouse, showcasing heroism and quick thinking. In a heart-stopping moment, two workers were rescued

In a heart-stopping moment, two workers were rescued from a scaffold that hung off the Milwaukee courthouse, showcasing heroism and quick thinking.

In a heart-stopping moment, two workers were rescued from a scaffold that hung off the Milwaukee courthouse, showcasing heroism and quick thinking.

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In a heart-stopping moment, two workers were rescued from a scaffold that hung off the Milwaukee courthouse, showcasing heroism and quick thinking.

Two workers were safely rescued after being trapped on a tilted scaffolding at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, prompting a swift response from the city's heavy urban rescue team.

"While it is visually spectacular, it has been brought to a safe conclusion." Milwaukee fire Chief Aaron Lipski said. "I want to emphasize there were no injuries."

According to the fire department Chief, dispatchers were informed at 2:48 p.m. that there had been a scaffolding failure, leaving two people trapped on a platform hanging at an odd angle off the side of the building.

"We were over here in under a minute," Lipski said. "We had a heavy urban Rescue Team Assignment dispatched. That is our technical rescue team that would handle high-angle rescues like this."

Upon arrival, firefighters used a PA system to communicate with the trapped workers, assuring them that help was on the way. The rescue team then lowered a radio to establish direct communication with the individuals, evaluating their condition and any potential injuries.

WATCH NewsChopper 12 gives you an exclusive view and explanation of what happened at the Milwaukee Courthouse.

The incident was part of an ongoing courthouse facade restoration project, currently in its third phase. The cause of the scaffolding failure is yet to be determined and will be subject to a follow-up investigation.

Inspector Dobson of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department confirmed that they arrived on scene shortly after the incident and will remain throughout the night to ensure public safety in case of any equipment failures.

The construction company is sending additional personnel to address the tilted scaffolding, which has been secured twice over to prevent any immediate danger.

WATCH Milwaukee Fire Department update on courthouse scaffold rescue

Milwaukee County Executive, David Crowley said in a statement, “my office is aware of the incident that occurred today involving contractors who were working on a façade restoration project along the roof of the Milwaukee County Courthouse. I’m grateful for the swift action from our first responders in rescuing the individuals, and I’m pleased that no injuries occurred during this situation. The cause of the incident will be fully investigated before any work resumes. Safety is our number one priority, and we will be working to understand how this situation occurred to prevent incidents like this in the future.”

Crews brought down the dangling scaffolding around 9:30 p.m. using a cherry picker.