Special operations rescue two men from NBC4 broadcast tower

Two employees got stuck in an elevator of a broadcast tower at 4001 Nebraska Ave, Northwest, DC, Tuesday afternoon, said the DC Fire and EMS.

“Both the employees are stuck since 1:44 pm in the elevator. We’re in constant contact with them. Glad they’re safe, but we’re waiting for them to be rescued,” said Matt Glassman, News director of NBC4. The special operations rescue team has cleared the scene. 

The rescue team had seven members up the tower. “It was a “rope-based rescue,” and they tried to rescue the two NBC4 employees by putting helmets on and bringing them down safe,” said Irene Johnson, Public Information Office from the DC Fire and EMS department. Rescue squads 1 and 3 assisted in the operation.

Special Operations is in process of a rescue from a broadcast tower at 4001 Nebraska Ave. NW
Two employees are in an elevator on the side of the tower. #DCs Bravest. pic.twitter.com/L591dmB2n8

— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) November 14, 2023

“Since I’ve been here, it is the first time we’re conquering this problem from an 800-feet tower, which is why it was taking time,” said Johnson.

DC Fire and EMS department said both the employees were safe and rescued at 4:15 pm. It was a high-angle rescue. They were not injured and did not need medical attention.

The cause of the stuck elevator is still unknown. It wasn’t an electricity issue, said Glassman.