Aerial rescue in village

The Rockville Centre Fire Department was called to the water tower between Reeve Road and Molloy College to assist two workers who were left stranded high in the air after a scaffolding malfunction. One worker was hanging by only his safety harness, the other worker was left stranded on the scaffold platform that was stuck at a steep angle. The accident occurred just after 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Between the time the alarm was transmitted and the arrival of rescue units, the hanging workers’ company was able to raise a work basket to the level of the stranded individuals. The worker who was hanging by his safety harness was able to safely swing into the basket and then he and another worker who rode up in the basket were able to assist the worker on the slanted scaffold by leveling the work platform. The three workers then lowered the equipment safely, without further incident.

The RVCFD responded to the scene with its heavy rescue, a ladder truck and an ambulance. Nassau County Police Emergency Services Unit and the Rockville Centre Police Department also responded.