13 Trapped in Bareilly Mall Lift for 35 Minutes
Thirteen people, including several children, were trapped inside a lift at a shopping mall in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, for 35 minutes on Tuesday evening after a sudden power failure disrupted the elevator's operation. The incident occurred at the city's popular shopping complex, causing panic among the trapped individuals.
According to mall officials, the power outage struck around 7:30 PM, immediately halting the lift between the ground and first floors. The trapped group included women and children who had been shopping. Security personnel were alerted by the lift's emergency alarm.
Rescue Operation and Response
Mall staff and fire department personnel rushed to the scene. The rescue team manually opened the lift doors using hydraulic tools after 35 minutes. All 13 individuals were safely evacuated without any injuries. A mall spokesperson stated, "We immediately activated our emergency protocols and coordinated with the fire department. The power failure was due to a grid issue, and we have since installed a backup generator for the lift."
Local police also arrived to ensure order. One of the rescued passengers, a woman named Priya Sharma, recounted, "It was terrifying, especially for the children. We were in complete darkness for over half an hour. The staff kept us calm through the intercom."
Power Failure and Safety Measures
The power failure affected several areas of Bareilly, but the mall's main grid was restored within an hour. The incident has raised questions about elevator safety and emergency preparedness in commercial establishments. The mall management has assured that a dedicated backup power system for the lift will be operational within 24 hours.
Uttar Pradesh's Chief Electrical Inspector has been notified, and an inquiry is underway to ensure compliance with safety norms. Similar incidents in the past have prompted stricter regulations, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
