Elevator Accidents

It's a normal day. You push the button for the elevator. The doors open. You step inside, but your foot meets only open air. The elevator car is stuck 10 floors below.

Freak elevator accidents are more common than you may realize.

This week, Marina and Fin discuss elevators including real-life catastrophes and freak accidents, how to tell if an elevator may be overdue for maintenance, and what to do if you're suddenly plummeting down an elevator shaft.

• Sources

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaal_Reefs#Vaal_Reefs_Tragedy

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_elevator_accidents

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Fuchs

  • https://www.libertyelevator.com/blog/dos-and-donts-of-getting-stuck-in-an-elevator/

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1945_Empire_State_Building_B-25_crash

  • https://unitecelevator.com/spot-first-signs-elevator-problems/

  • https://www.livescience.com/33445-how-survive-falling-elevator.html

  • https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32384240/betty-lou-oliver

  • https://emergency.princeton.edu/what-to-do/facilities-and-utilities-issue/elevator-emergencies

  • https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/10/14/she-pushed-the-stroller-through-the-open-doors-of-an-elevator-but-it-wasnt-there/

  • https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/07/14/elevator-death-outer-banks/