Three elevator maintenance staff repairing a malfunctioning elevator at Kolkata airport were severely injured on Tuesday afternoon when the lift's cables snapped and crashed while they were working in the lift shaft pit.
Details of the Incident
The accident took place at Lift no. 34 near boarding gate 25A, which connects the upper level of the security hold area (SHA) with the lower level in the departure section. Flyers booked on flights parked in remote bays take the elevator to reach the bus boarding gates at the lower level. Airport officials said the elevator was out of service after developing technical problems on Monday. Flyers had to either use the stairs next to the elevator or take lifts in another section of the SHA.
Three workers employed by Omega Elevators were carrying out maintenance inside the lift shaft when the cables reportedly snapped, causing the lift to descend abruptly. "It was an accident in which three workers have sustained injuries. We have ordered a thorough investigation into why the cables snapped, leading to the accident. Thankfully, the lift was not accessible to passengers," an airport official said.
Injuries and Medical Condition
Doctors said the injured workers suffered severe injuries. Sheikh Mahidul Rahman (51) sustained blunt chest trauma and pelvic injuries and was found to be hypotensive with multiple rib fractures. Prabhat Shankar Mehta (51) suffered a serious head injury and left ankle trauma and was diagnosed with multiple skull fractures before being admitted for neurosurgery. Amit Das (27) sustained head injuries along with multiple fractures in both lower limbs.
Background and Context
The elevator had been out of service since Monday due to technical problems, forcing passengers to use alternative routes. The maintenance team was working in the lift shaft pit when the cables gave way, leading to the sudden descent. The airport authority has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the cable failure and prevent future incidents.
This incident highlights the critical importance of regular maintenance and safety checks for elevator systems in public infrastructure. The injured workers are currently receiving medical treatment, and their conditions are being monitored closely.
