OKC’s Devon Tower still cordoned off due to broken windows in high-rise rescue

Last week’s window washer incident high atop Oklahoma City’s Devon Tower has left some continuing safety issues in the downtown area.

A safety perimeter around the 50-story tall structure is still in effect as workers try to remove broken glass from windows that were smashed by a swinging scaffolding that carried two window washers.

John Porretto with Corporate Communications issued a statement indicating operations on Sunday involved removing broken glass from parts of the building using an internal extraction process.

” During the controlled work, some broken glass fell without incident into the safety perimeter that has been established around the building,” he explained. But the potential for severe weather this week has resulted in keeping the safety perimeter in effect.

“Devon is employing world-class experts in glass removal for the work. Our top priority continues to be the public’s safety in the downtown area, and we urge pedestrians, motorists and any air traffic around the tower to please obey the respective restrictions,” said Porretto.

Sheridan and Robinson avenues and the Myriad Gardens remain closed for safety.

The energy company plans to reopen cordoned-off areas at street level as soon as it’s safe to do so.

“We understand our work may cause some inconvenience to those trying to navigate the downtown area, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation,” added Porretto.