Workers Stuck in Boom Lift at 150 Feet

Two workers at United Rentals in Newburgh, NY got stuck 150 feet in the air when the JLG Ultra Boom they were in got stuck in position.

Jlg Stuck

Two workers at United Rentals in Newburgh, NY got stuck 150 feet in the air when the JLG Ultra Boom they were in got stuck in position.

Newburgh Police Chief Michael Vatter said they contacted the maker of the equipment, JLG Industries, but the company declined to give them the override code.

"This whole thing could have been solved in 15 minutes, but the company wouldn't give out the code because they said it wasn't safe since there are people in it," said Vatter, waving his arms in frustration.

With a storm on the way, Vatter said the greatest fear was a lightning strike. With help from firefighters and a ladder truck from Kiryas Joel, rescuers were able to hopscotch the stranded workers from one boom to another and then lower them into the the fire department bucket by ladder and harness.

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