Watch: Cleveland firefighters rescue workers left hanging after scaffolding collapse

Two workers were rescued after scaffolding collapsed, leaving them hanging from safety harnesses

June 05, 2025 07:44 AM

By Olivia Mitchell
cleveland.com

CLEVELAND — Firefighters rescued two workers after scaffolding collapsed Wednesday at a building in downtown Cleveland.

At noon, fire crews responded to an emergency rope rescue at West Lakeside Avenue and West 6th Street after the collapse left three workers dangling from safety harnesses.

“Great save by Tower 1 grabbing those workers from five stories up,” said Lt. Mike Norman, a spokesman for the Cleveland Division of Fire .

The workers were replacing mortar on the building’s brickwork when the incident occurred, according to a post from the division’s social media page. One worker was able to get to a nearby window, while firefighters rescued the other two.

No one was hurt.

At noon today, #CLEFIRE Companies responded to an Emergency Rope Rescue on W. Lakeside/W.6th. Workers tuck pointing brickwork when scaffolding collapsed, leaving 3 hanging by safety harnesses. 1 victim able to self-rescue thru window. 2 others rescued by Tower 1. No injuries. pic.twitter.com/n1IcIKPe1K
— ClevelandFire (@ClevelandFire) June 4, 2025