San Francisco window washer survives 11-story fall

SAN FRANCISCO --

The unbelievable accident closed off parts of California and Montgomery streets in San Francisco's Financial District Friday morning. A window washer fell approximately 60 feet from an 11th story building, landing on a moving car below. The victim survived but is in critical condition. It's hard to believe the driver of that car was not hurt.

The window washer fell from the roof and landed on a Toyota Camry. All but the driver's area was caved in. The driver, Mohammad Al Cozai, narrowly escaped being critically injured.

"As soon as I made my left turn, then I saw something hit my car very hard. The impact was really hard. I didn't know what it is," said Mohammad Al Cozai of Dublin.

After landing on the car, the window washer fell onto the street. Witnesses ran to help.

Witness describes San Francisco window washer's fall

Cal/OSHA spokeswoman Julia Bernstein said the man suffered a broken arm and injuries to his side.

"I took off my jacket, I put it over him and I just started to direct traffic. I don't know anything about medical, so I did what I could," said witness Jess Cathcart.

The thud of the body onto the car and the shattering of the glass was what was, I guess shocking," said witness Sam Hartwell.

The man is an employee of Redwood City-based Century Window Cleaning. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the company for safety violations four times in 2008, including one serious violation that resulted in a $6,740 penalty, according to the agency's website. The case was eventually settled, and the penalty was reduced to $2,720, Bernstein said.

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San Francisco window washer survives 11-story fall