Daring high-rise rescue saves two window washers in Virginia

A dramatic rescue unfolded Thursday morning in Tysons Corner, Virginia, after a tether supporting a window-washing basket snapped.

(NBC)- A dramatic rescue unfolded Thursday morning in Tysons Corner, Virginia, after a tether supporting a window-washing basket snapped—leaving two workers dangling 15 stories above the ground in frigid, low-30s temperatures.

Radio traffic captured the tense moments as emergency crews rushed in. “Extended call. Make sure we do everything right. Slow it down, be safe,” responders were heard saying over Broadcastify.

Fairfax County firefighters quickly arrived and rappelled down the side of the high-rise to reach the stranded window washers. A backup harness prevented a potentially fatal fall, allowing the rescue team time to secure the workers and guide them to safety.

Inside the building, photos show crews attaching rescue lines through a window to pull the workers away from danger. Battalion Chief Daniel Gajewski said firefighters were even communicating with the workers via iPad, reassuring them that rescue teams were on the roof and on their way down.

Despite the height and frigid weather, both workers were safely brought inside and were not injured. Officials say it’s still unclear what caused the tether to fail.