Window cleaner survives nine-storey plunge with big 'wedgie'

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By Greg Stolz

June 24, 2008 03:05pm

A WINDOW cleaner has escaped a nine-storey fall from a Gold Coast tower with a fractured arm - and a broken pelvis from the super "wedgie" from his harness.

Police said the incident happened next to the Surfers Paradise police station.

Witnesses, including police officers from the station, reported hearing a thud and seeing the man suspended limp in the air hanging from his harness.

The man, 20, an abseiler from Robina who cleans windows, fell about 25m until his feet hit an awning on the side of the Solaire building in Ferny Ave.

He appeared to have ankle injuries and was in a lot of pain, but he retained his sense of humour, telling co-workers that he had "a big wedgie" (from his harness).

The force of his impact dislodged a 5m steel beam, which crashed to the ground.

Fellow window cleaner David Luke said he was on the roof when he heard "three big bangs".

"He's lucky to be alive," Mr Luke said.

"We have no idea how this happened."

Another of the men's co-workers said the accident was bizarre.

He said the man was well-trained and very experienced.

The man was taken to Gold Coast Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Workplace Health and Safety Inspectors are on the scene.

Today's accident comes just three days after two men died at Broadbeach when a swing scaffold collapsed.