A 49-year-old woman has died after falling into a lift shaft while attempting to exit a malfunctioning elevator during a rescue operation at a residential complex in Hunan, China.
The tragic incident occurred on June 10 in Qiyang City, Yongzhou, where the woman, identified only by her surname Huang, was among 10 residents trapped inside a faulty lift for nearly 30 minutes.
According to information shared online by the victim’s daughter, the occupants repeatedly pressed the emergency button before a security guard arrived and used a key to open the lift doors.
At the time, the elevator was reportedly stuck between floors at a height of about one metre above ground level.
As the passengers attempted to leave the lift, Huang allegedly lost her footing and fell through a gap into the lift shaft below, suffering severe injuries.
Her daughter said Huang sustained a fractured skull and underwent emergency treatment for approximately 20 hours before succumbing to her injuries.
The victim’s family has questioned why the security guard allegedly proceeded with the rescue before the arrival of lift maintenance personnel or firefighters, arguing that proper emergency procedures should have been followed.
They believe those involved should be held accountable if negligence is found.
A representative from the residential complex’s management office expressed sadness over the incident and confirmed that authorities have launched an investigation.
Local police have since stepped in to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
The case has sparked discussion on social media, with many netizens calling for stricter safety protocols and professional intervention when dealing with lift malfunctions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
