VIDEO: Window washers safe after scaffolding collapses in Midtown
Atlanta fire is investigating after a scaffolding collapsed at an apartment building at the intersection of West Peachtree Street and 14th Street, Sgt. Cortez Stafford said.
*WORKING INCIDENT* @ATLFireRescue on scene at 14th Street and W. Peachtree. Portion of window washing platform collapsed and hit large power lines which caused an electrical explosion and vehicle fire. Working to secure platform still dangling from building. pic.twitter.com/xMnefk8HuJ
— Atlanta Fire Rescue (@ATLFireRescue) May 18, 2018
Two window washers were on the platform, but managed to climb to safety with the help of residents, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Atlanta Fire told Channel 2 that the workers’ safety harnesses saved them from falling, probably to their deaths.
Confirmed from Pio @ATLFireRescue two workers safety harnesses which were on a separate system than the platform saved them. Multiple explosions when objects fell and hit power lines/cars. All OK! Cars caught fire from electrical debris. Avoid 14th/w. Peachtree @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/slClVb6mqC
— Craig Lucie (@CraigLucie) May 18, 2018
A portion of the scaffolding hit power lines, which caused an electrical explosion and car fire, Atlanta Fire Rescue said in a Twitter post.
“It looks like some items fell off a building that hit some power lines,” Stafford told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Firefighters are on the scene working to secure the dangling platform.
There are no reports of anyone being injured, he said.
Atlanta police have shut down all lanes at the intersection of 14th Street and West Peachtree Street. Drivers are urged to find an alternative route.
*UPDATE* Atlanta Fire special operation units (Squad 4, GSAR 6, Company 14) have secured the platform and are now starting to raise it back up to remove it from the side of the building. 14th St @W. Peachtree Street still shut down. #AFRD
— Atlanta Fire Rescue (@ATLFireRescue) May 19, 2018
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
About the Authors
Zachary Hansen, a Georgia native, covers economic development and commercial real estate for the AJC. He's been with the newspaper since 2018 and enjoys diving into complex stories that affect people's lives.
