Two window cleaners were brought to safety after their suspended working platform failed while they were cleaning windows on the 15th storey of a central London skyscraper on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred at One Blackfriars, located on Blackfriars Road in Southwark, when the cradle in which the workers were suspended became stuck mid-air. London Fire Brigade (LFB) received the emergency call shortly before 17:30 BST and deployed specialist equipment to resolve the situation.
Firefighters used a 64-metre turntable ladder—the tallest aerial appliance available in Europe—to lower both workers safely to ground level. The entire rescue operation took approximately 45 minutes from the time the service arrived on scene. Neither of the men sustained any injuries during the incident or the rescue.
How was the rescue carried out?
The 64-metre turntable ladder deployed by London Fire Brigade is capable of reaching heights equivalent to around 20 storeys, making it suitable for high-rise rescue operations across the capital. The equipment is regularly used not only for emergency rescues but also for firefighting at height and as an aerial observation platform during major incidents.
A statement from London Fire Brigade noted:
This is a great example of how the brigade uses its specialist equipment to meet the challenges of London's built environment.
Why is this equipment important?
The fire service emphasised the critical role such apparatus plays in emergency response.
It is vital that we continue to have the right equipment to enable us to respond effectively and keep London's communities safe.The availability of Europe's tallest aerial ladder allows the brigade to respond to incidents at significant heights across London's increasingly tall urban landscape.
About One Blackfriars
One Blackfriars is a mixed-use development standing approximately 170 metres (558 feet) tall. The building overlooks the River Thames and is situated in the Blackfriars area of south London. Its height and prominent location make it a notable feature of the capital's skyline, and like many modern high-rise structures, it requires regular window cleaning and maintenance work carried out by specialist contractors working from suspended cradles and platforms.
Key Facts
- Two window cleaners were rescued from a malfunctioning suspended cradle on the 15th floor of One Blackfriars on Thursday evening
- London Fire Brigade used a 64-metre turntable ladder—Europe's tallest aerial appliance—to bring them safely to ground level within 45 minutes
- No injuries were reported during the incident or rescue operation
- The ladder can reach heights of up to 20 storeys and is used for rescues, firefighting, and aerial observation
