280 Asian workers (Indian, Pakistani & Chinese) were trapped in a skyscraper in a 37 story building being built as part of a new construction block. One of the workers was seen plummeting to his death in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. The scene was eerily described by witnesses;
"It was kind of like 9/11," said German Steven Wullinger, 35, who saw the falling man, in an interview with the Associated Press
Workers tried to climb towards the roof, waving towels at a rescue chopper, and one man scrambled to shimmy down the building's outer side but became trapped on a narrow ledge on the 13th floor. Crews eventually smashed a window and pulled him from the perch to safety.
The fire was believed to have started on the 31st floor possibly in the electricity and sewage pipes. Rescue operations continue and an investigation has been promised by local authorities.
w. references from au & cbc
