Fourteen people, among them four children, endured a harrowing ordeal in Mumbai recently when an elevator they were riding suddenly plunged multiple floors, leaving them trapped for nearly three hours. The incident occurred at the Mass Metropolis building in the Nehru Nagar area.
The group had just finished a birthday celebration on the 14th floor and boarded the lift to descend. According to reports, the elevator was operating normally until it reached the sixth floor, where it experienced a sudden jolt and began rapidly dropping. It eventually came to an abrupt halt just above the ground floor, causing panic among the occupants.
Intense Rescue Operation Underway
Once the lift stopped, the passengers found themselves locked inside the cabin. They immediately activated the emergency alarm, while people outside the elevator also attempted to pry open the doors, but to no avail. Police and fire officials were quickly alerted to the escalating situation.
Firefighters arrived at the scene and initiated a complex rescue operation. Utilizing specialized cutters and hydraulic equipment, they worked diligently to gain access to the compromised elevator cabin. The strenuous effort continued for approximately three hours before the rescue team successfully freed all 14 individuals.
All passengers, including the four children, were brought out safely, though visibly shaken by the experience. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries.
Police Investigate Cause of Malfunction
Following the successful rescue, Mumbai police have commenced a thorough investigation into the cause of the elevator's sudden plunge. Authorities are examining several potential factors, including whether the lift was operating beyond its permitted passenger or weight capacity.
Investigators will also scrutinize the elevator's maintenance records, past safety audits, and other relevant technical aspects. At this stage, it remains unclear whether the incident was due to overloading, a lapse in maintenance, or a mechanical fault. The exact cause will be determined upon the conclusion of the ongoing inquiry.