Fire and rescue teams worked this morning (Monday) to rescue a 15-year-old yeshiva student who was found on the crane's boom at the top of a 36-story building in Jerusalem.
The incident ended peacefully with the successful rescue of the boy, after about two and a half hours of activity, but after he had been on the crane for about 9 hours.
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An initial examination revealed that this was not a suicide attempt. The Jerusalem District Fire and Rescue Department received a report of the incident only in the morning, even though the boy got stuck on the crane near midnight.
Initial investigation indicates that the boy climbed onto a crane located on the roof of a 44-story building, and had been stuck since midnight.
According to the investigation, he climbed to the edge, accidentally slipped, grabbed onto the cable and slid down to the weight - where he remained trapped. This morning, a passerby noticed him and called the police and fire department.
Firefighters from Uma Station arrived at the scene, climbed to the top of the building, and made eye contact with the boy. At the same time, teams from the IDF's rescue unit, which specializes in complex rescues at high altitudes, were also dispatched to the scene.
The dramatic rescue. Photo: Mabita Communications Group
The fighters set up advanced rope systems on top of the crane, overcame the complexity of the approach and the problematic angle, reached the boy and safely harnessed him.
The boy was lowered to the ground, safe and sound, and transferred for further treatment by medical and police officials at the scene.
Deputy Commander of the Jerusalem District, Petty Officer Eyal Cohen, who was present at the rescue operation and commanded the forces: "This morning, the unit's high operational readiness for special rescues was evident. But it is symbolic that only yesterday the unit conducted a complex training exercise that accurately simulates a rescue scenario from a crane, and today the fighters were required to apply these abilities in real time. The practice and professionalism are what led to the event ending peacefully.".
The commander of the Ha'uma station and the commander of the incident, Senior Lieutenant Shai Nehemiah: "This is a very complex rescue, both due to the great height and the complex and problematic angle at which the crane is located.".
On the way to the rescue. Photo by the fire department.
The police said: Police were called to the central bus station area following a report of a person found on a crane cable at a nearby construction site.
Police forces arrived quickly, and worked in collaboration with firefighters and other emergency and rescue forces to remove the man and ensure his safety and the safety of the public.
The police have begun investigating the circumstances of the incident.
