Two exterior cleaning workers spent nearly two hours stranded on the facade of Jardine House in Central on October 26, 2026, after their suspended platform suddenly plunged. Firefighters deployed high-angle rescue specialists to bring both men to safety.
Workers Stranded As Platform Plummets Down Jardine House Facade
The incident began at approximately 6:15 p.m. on October 26, 2026, when two window-cleaning workers were operating a suspended platform on the exterior of Jardine House at 1 Connaught Place, Central. The equipment experienced a sudden, uncontrolled descent, dropping nearly all the way toward street level.
Sensing the danger as the platform dropped, the two men managed to step out and stand on the window sills of the building’s iconic circular windows.
Both workers wore safety harnesses connected to independent lifeline ropes, which kept them from falling as they awaited rescue at high altitude.
The workers were identified as a 25-year-old of Philippine descent and a 47-year-old of Nepalese descent. According to reporting sources, both men are non-ethnic Chinese individuals who hold Hong Kong identity cards and possess three years of experience working with suspended platforms. Investigators noted that no initial evidence pointed to human error, and the platform had not shown abnormalities during previous use.
Fire Services Department Executes High-Altitude Rescue Operation
The Fire Services Department received an emergency report at 6:16 p.m. and arrived at the scene within six minutes. Responding officers deployed an inflatable rescue cushion on the ground below and dispatched high-angle rescue specialists to rappel down from the roof.
The lower worker was safely lowered to ground level by approximately 7:42 p.m., while the higher worker was brought up to the roof around 8:06 p.m.
Investigators Examine Suspended Platform Failure and Safety Compliance
Traffic along Connaught Road Central eastbound experienced temporary lane closures while emergency crews managed the scene. Safety experts examining the incident noted that independent lifelines prevented fatal falls. Analysts suggested that the platform’s braking system may have suffered a mechanical malfunction or slipped along the cables rather than experiencing a complete cable snap.
Local witnesses shared their accounts of the tense situation outside the commercial tower. A bystander identified as Ms. Sit noted that she arrived at approximately 6:30 p.m. and observed that the suspended platform had already dropped, noting that it was fortunate no pedestrians were struck below. Another bystander named Mr. Yeung described feeling a sense of relief upon seeing the workers successfully brought down by emergency personnel.
Landmark, the property management company for Jardine House, confirmed that both workers were safely rescued. Landmark, the property management company for Jardine House, stated that an immediate investigation had been launched to cooperate with government departments, including the Labour Department (HK01).
Police have classified the case as an industrial accident and a situation where people were in a dangerous position.