Firefighters Rescue Window Washer Hanging Upside Down Off Side Of Building

DETROIT (WWJ) - A window washer was rescued by Detroit firefighters after a mishap left him dangling upside down by his gear — two stories up.

It happened Monday morning as the man in his 20s was working on a four-story building on Grand River Ave. near Cass Tech High School.

"A window washer had a malfunction with his equipment and ended up inverting, turning upside down, and was hanging off the side of the building," Detroit Fire Department Deputy Chief James Provost said.

Witnesses talking to WWJ Newsradio 950's Charlie Langton said the man was hanging there for 15 minutes to 20 minutes before firefighters climbed ladders and freed him.

"Essentially, they showed up in a timely fashion and saved the guy's life today," Provost said.

The man was evaluated by Detroit EMS at the scene. He was transported to a local hospital complaining of leg pain, but was expected to be OK.