Two workers survive scare as scaffolding fails

Two construction workers had terrifying moments yesterday morning when scaffolding broke loose and left them dangling eight stories high in North Philadelphia.

The men were working at the Temple University Hospital Medical Center, under construction at Broad and Tioga Streets, when the scaffolding failed about 8:30 a.m., said Battalion Chief William Dell of the Philadelphia Fire Department.

One worker kept his footing. The other lost his balance but was able to hold on until emergency crews arrived and pulled him to safety through a window, Dell said. Neither was injured.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was called to determine why the scaffolding failed.

- Barbara Boyer