Two window washers working on the side of a New York City skyscraper are lucky to be alive after the scaffolding they were on broke free before being buffeted by winds around 78 floors up and slamming into the side of the building, shattering multiple panes of glass.

New York City Fire Department (FDNY) deputy chief Michael Trahan said crews responded at about 9:45 a.m. on Friday to a report of workers being trapped on a scaffolding at 25 Columbus Circle.

“When units pulled up, the scaffolding was swinging around, smashing into the building,” Trahan said. “There was glass all over the street.”

He said units secured the street from pedestrians, and when crews got up to the 78th floor, they saw glass everywhere due to a window being blown out.

FDNY members rescued two people trapped. (X / @FDNY )

“It was extremely dangerous for the occupants of the scaffolding,” he said. “It was extremely dangerous for members of the FDNY as well. Our members were operating essentially on the ledge of a 78-story building.”

EMS crews treated the two workers after bringing them to safety, then transported them to NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Trahan said both workers were in stable condition.