Firefighters make daring rescue from 200 feet in air near Galleria
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston firefighters have come to the aid of an injured worker 200 feet high in the air atop a crane near the Galleria.
The crane operator was injured at a construction site on Post Oak at Garretson.
"There was a slip and fall event during the descent from the crane," said Houston Fire Cpt. Ruy Lozano.
Firefighters ascended the crane to reach the man. Fire officials said the man slipped while he was changing shifts with another crane operator.
"He was unconscious for a few seconds, but then regained consciousness complaining of neck and back pain," said Houston Fire Cpt. Bob Schlieter.
Firefighters were able to carefully load the man into a stokes basket, carry him over a railing and then lower him down using the crane.
"There's a reason they are recognized as one of the top rescue teams in the country. I think this rescue clearly displays it," said Cpt. Lozano
Dozens of firefighters assisted in the hour-long rescue effort in the high heat conditions. The man was seen loaded into an ambulance, alert and conscious.
