Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Winched to safety from the flames

Tuesday 13 April 1999 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A CONSTRUCTION worker trapped on top of a swaying, 250ft-high crane above a raging fire (left) for more than an hour was rescued by a firefighter who dangled perilously from a helicopter cable.

The fire broke out at an old mill in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday. The flames were licking at the cable as Matt Mosely, the firefighter, climbed on to the crane and scrambled to the end of the arm, where Ivor Sims was waiting.

Mosely strapped Sims into a harness (above) and both were lowered to the ground. Sims walked to a stretcher, and spectators applauded as he was wheeled to an ambulance. He was in a stable condition yesterday, suffering from smoke inhalation and heat exposure.

Larry Rogers, who was in the helicopter to guide the pilot and the cable, said the flames were intensely hot even 80ft above the cable. (Reuters)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in