Woman dies after falling into apartment lift shaft in Khairatabad, one-year-old grandson hospitalised with serious injuries
Hyderabad: A tragic lift accident in Hyderabad's Khairatabad area claimed the life of a woman and left her one-year-old grandson critically injured on Saturday morning. The incident occurred inside a residential apartment complex, triggering concern over lift safety and maintenance standards in residential buildings.
The deceased has been identified as Radhika, who was reportedly attempting to travel downstairs with her grandson when the fatal accident took place. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Hyderabad Lift Accident Shocks Khairatabad Residents
According to preliminary information, Radhika had stepped out of her apartment with her one-year-old grandson and approached the building's lift to descend from an upper floor.
Investigators said the woman allegedly opened the lift grill door without first confirming that the lift cabin had arrived. Initial findings suggest that the lift may not have been present at the floor due to a possible technical malfunction or other operational issue.
Believing that the lift cabin had reached the floor, she stepped forward while carrying the child. However, the lift was reportedly not in position, causing both of them to plunge into the lift shaft.
“The woman is believed to have assumed the lift had arrived after the grill door opened, leading to the tragic fall into the shaft.”
Woman Dies on the Spot, Child Suffers Serious Injuries
The impact of the fall proved fatal for Radhika, who sustained severe injuries and died at the scene.
The one-year-old child, who was in her arms at the time of the accident, suffered serious injuries but survived the fall. Apartment staff reportedly became aware of the incident after hearing the child's cries and immediately alerted family members and emergency responders.
Relatives rushed to the location and shifted the injured boy to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment. His condition is being monitored by doctors.
Police Register Case in Khairatabad Lift Shaft Death
Police personnel arrived at the apartment complex shortly after receiving information about the incident. The woman's body was recovered from the lift shaft and transported to a hospital for postmortem examination.
Authorities have registered a case and begun a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Investigators are expected to examine the lift's maintenance records, safety mechanisms and any potential technical faults that may have contributed to the tragedy.
“Police are investigating whether any negligence or mechanical failure played a role in the fatal accident.”
Apartment Lift Safety Under Scrutiny
The incident has renewed concerns about lift safety in residential buildings, particularly regarding maintenance standards, emergency systems and access controls designed to prevent lift doors from opening when the cabin is not present.
Experts note that modern elevator systems are generally equipped with safety interlocks intended to stop doors from opening unless the lift is aligned with the floor. Investigators are likely to examine whether the safety mechanisms were functioning properly at the time of the accident.
Residents in several apartment complexes have also called for regular inspections and stricter compliance with elevator safety regulations following the incident.
Investigation Continues
Police and technical experts are continuing their inquiry into the accident. Officials are expected to gather statements from residents, apartment management personnel and lift maintenance staff as part of the investigation.
Further details are likely to emerge once technical inspections and forensic examinations are completed.
