Malegaon Elevator Scare: 18 Politicians Rescued After Lift Plummets in Corporation Building
In a startling incident at the Malegaon Corporation building, eighteen people, including prominent political figures, were rescued after an elevator malfunctioned and got stuck between floors. The group, which comprised the chief of the ISLAM party, Asif Shaikh, and Samajwadi party leader Mustaqueem Dignity, had just concluded the mayor and deputy mayor elections when the mishap occurred at approximately 1:10 PM.
Panic Ensues as Elevator Drops Rapidly
According to eyewitness accounts, the individuals were attempting to travel from the ground floor to the fourth floor when the elevator began its descent unexpectedly. Mustaqueem Dignity, who was among those trapped, described the harrowing experience. "About 18 people were in the elevator at the fourth floor. Suddenly, it started moving down, even before one of the two doors shut. The elevator dropped at a high speed," he recounted, highlighting the suddenness and intensity of the incident.
The lift ultimately came to a halt, stuck precariously between the first and second floors, leaving its occupants disoriented and uncertain of their exact location. "The police and fire tender officials provided a ladder for all of us to get out," Dignity added, praising the swift response of emergency services that facilitated a safe evacuation.
Official Response and Safety Concerns
Malegaon Commissioner Ravindra Jadhav addressed the incident, attributing the malfunction to overloading. "The elevator was overloaded, as a result of which it moved down speedily. However, the claims that the rope was broken are false, and the maintenance of the elevator is carried out periodically. The elevator, however, got stuck, and the people inside were removed," he stated, dismissing rumors of structural failure while acknowledging the operational issue.
Despite the scare, Jadhav indicated that no formal inquiry would be initiated, though authorities have been directed to compile a detailed report. "There is no need for any inquiry, but the authorities have been asked to prepare a report of the incident," he clarified, suggesting a focus on documentation rather than investigative proceedings.
This event has raised questions about elevator safety protocols in public buildings, especially in high-traffic areas like government offices. The involvement of political leaders has further amplified public attention, underscoring the need for rigorous maintenance and adherence to load limits to prevent such occurrences in the future.
