Byculla lift mishap: ‘I wish I had waited’; residents express regret to board a lift

The lift slams into the ground floor. Ceiling panels and the fan collapse onto one woman, and she collapses, knocking others off balance. A male resident who had braced himself by kneeling near the door escaped major injury. The doors partially open after impact, and the watchman, along with the residents, forces them wider to begin the rescue

Five residents of Jay Krupa Tower in Byculla were injured when a lift in one wing malfunctioned and crashed between 8 pm and 9 pm on Wednesday. Four women sustained serious injuries and were admitted to three hospitals, while a male resident with minor muscle strain was discharged the same night.

First-person accounts

Jay Krupa CHS in Ghodapdeo, Byculla East, where a lift in the A wing malfunctioned and crashed on Wednesday night, injuring five residents between 8 pm and 9 pm. Pic/Satej Shinde

The great escape

Yash Belvekar, a resident, was inside the lift when it plunged

"I don't know if it was luck or instinct, but I sat down immediately," said Yash Belvekar, who lives on the eighth floor and was returning from work. "There was a loud noise and the lift paused for a few seconds. I sensed something was wrong. When it began descending rapidly, I moved near the door and got down on my knees."

Residents wait in the lobby as one lift travels to the 20th floor. Five people enter the second lift, which does not stop on the fourth floor. Between the fourth and fifth floors, a mechanical failure snaps the tension belt, sending cabin into a free fall. Illustrations/Uday Mohite

One unfortunate last minute decision

Jay Krupa CHS in Ghodapdeo, Byculla East, where a lift in the A wing malfunctioned and crashed. Pic/Satej Shinde

"The lift that malfunctioned has never stopped on the fourth floor. We use it when the other lift is delayed," said Kalpita Pawar. "On Wednesday, I was returning from my in-laws' home. Since the other lift was taking time, I took this one and planned to walk down from the fifth floor. I wish I had waited." Pawar has fractures in both legs, with surgery required for her left leg, along with multiple bruises.

Neighbours pull the injured residents out of the damaged cabin. Four women are rushed to hospitals for treatment, while the male resident, treated for minor muscle strain, is discharged the same night

An evening walk that led to injury

Injured residents Kalpita Pawar and Usha Gupta (speaking to a visitor) are at the hospital. Pawar suffered fractures in both legs, while Gupta sustained a leg fracture. Pic/Ritika Gondhalekar

"My cholesterol had increased, and I was advised to walk 45 minutes daily," said Usha Gupta. "I had started early dinners and evening walks. I never imagined it would end in a fracture." The two other injured residents, 50-year-old Jamuna Prasad Shivhare and Shilpa More, are stable and recovering.

Society response

Rani Pasalkar, chairperson of Jay Krupa CHS

"We have regularly maintained both the lifts in the building and never faced such an incident before this. We have sought a detailed report from the maintenance company and are yet to decide on filing a formal complaint."

If you are stuck

Security guard points to the lift in the A wing of Jay Krupa Tower in Byculla that malfunctioned and crashed on Wednesday night, injuring five residents. Pics/Satej Shinde

>> Press the alarm or emergency button and state how many people are inside and if anyone is unwell.
>> Call building security or emergency services if the intercom fails.
>> Do not force open the doors or jump inside the cabin.
>> Stay calm and wait for assistance.

Expert view

"Regular maintenance, functional checks and verification by the Public Works Department are crucial, especially in high-rises. If properly maintained, a belt snapping is unlikely. Societies often sign contracts but fail to verify reports with the PWD, which is a serious lapse," Mumbai Fire Brigade chief Ravindra Ambulgekar

8 pm to 9 pm
Approx time of the accident