As the trapped individuals grew increasingly distressed, emergency responders were forced to intervene using heavy equipment.
Technician Calls for Help After Hours of Failed Repair Attempts
A lift technician contacted Munich’s Integrated Control Center early Sunday morning. He reported that he had been attempting for several hours to restart a malfunctioning elevator with no success. The elevator was occupied by twelve people who were showing signs of panic and indicated they could no longer endure the situation. Faced with no viable solution, the technician called in the fire department.
Elevator Jammed in Safety Lock Between Floors
Upon arriving at the scene on Grasmeierstraße, firefighters found the elevator immobilized between two stories. The technician explained that the cabin had been caught in a mechanical safety mechanism known as the “safety lock” or “catch,” which uses metal wedges to prevent the elevator from free-falling in case of malfunction. In this state, the elevator was completely unresponsive to any attempts at movement or resetting.
Firefighters Forced to Cut Through Cabin Roof for Rescue
With no safe or effective way to release the safety lock mechanically, the fire crew opted for an emergency rescue via the cabin roof. First, they secured the elevator to prevent any unintended movement. Then, using a reciprocating saw, they cut a hole into the roof of the cabin. A folding ladder was inserted through the opening, allowing the trapped occupants to climb out one by one to safety.
All Occupants Rescued Unharmed Amid Commendable Calm
Following the successful evacuation, all twelve individuals were medically examined by the fire department at the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and everyone was able to leave the area without assistance. The fire department praised the disciplined and composed behavior of the trapped passengers throughout the incident.
There was no immediate assessment available regarding the extent of damage to the elevator system beyond the roof opening created for the rescue.
This incident underscores how quickly a technical malfunction can escalate into a stressful and potentially hazardous situation, and how critical it is to maintain calm and act decisively in emergencies.
Latest Posts
