Frankfurt firefighters rescue window cleaners from Commerzbank Tower

High-rise rescuers in Frankfurt successfully saved two window cleaners stranded on the Commerzbank Tower at a height of 240 meters. The men's work gondola became inoperable, trapping them.

According to the fire department, a total of 25 firefighters were involved in the operation. The rescue leader told the German news agency dpa that strong winds significantly complicated the rescue efforts. The Commerzbank Tower, one of Frankfurt's prominent skyscrapers, stands at approximately 300 meters.

Rescuers utilized a battery-powered winch to lift the cleaners 11 stories up from their basket to safety. During the rescue, the wind pushed the gondola, with both men inside, up to eight meters away from the building's facade. The basket reportedly struck the glass facade multiple times.

After the men were rescued, a technician from the operating company managed to secure the gondola on the roof. A fire department spokesperson confirmed that a drone inspection of the facade revealed no damage. The building's windows are cleaned three times a year. A high-altitude rescue trainer suggested this operation might be the highest urban rescue ever conducted in Germany. The rescue team's familiarity with the Commerzbank Tower, where they regularly train, reportedly aided their efforts.

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The strong wind has considerably complicated the rescue efforts.