Workers Trapped on Freedom Tower: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Two window washers were dramatically rescued after dangling from the outside of the 69th floor of One World Trade Center for over an hour. The two became stuck when their platform broke while they were working on the tallest building in the United States.

You can watch video of the rescue above.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The FDNY Had to Cut a Hole in a 69th Story Window to Rescue the Workers

Fox New York reports that the FDNY plotted their rescue operation fast. The plan was for rescue workers to cut through the glass on the 69th floor and bring the stranded workers into the building.

The glass has been cut and the rescue workers are trying to save the window washers. (Screengrab via ABC New York)

At the time the glass was cut, the workers had been stranded for over an hour.

(Screengrab via ABC New York)

Fox New York reports that another option that the FDNY were mulling was bringing down a second scaffolding and load the workers on to that.

2. The Workers Are Okay

Emergency personnel spoke to the workers while they were stranded and insured they were okay, reports ABC New York. The workers are harnessed to the scaffolding. After being rescued, the two men were evaluated by EMTs.

(Getty)

3. The 9/11 Memorial Has Been Evacuated

The 9/11 memorial has been evacuated as a precaution in case there is falling glass. Despite the rescue of the two men, the scaffolding is still dangling off of One World Trade Center.

4. We Don’t Know How the Workers Got Stuck

NBC New York reports that window cleaning has been going on on the south and southeast sides of the building over the past week.

5. The First Tenants Have Just Moved Into the Building

(Getty)

The Freedom Tower recently opened for business with worldwide publisher Conde Nast occupying the first offices. CNBC reports that the company will bring 3,400 people into work in the building.

Read More From Heavy

Watch the Rise of Freedom Tower: Time-Lapse, 2004-2012