A ten-year-old boy was rescued after being stuck inside the elevator for 45 minutes on the 13th floor of the Cheda and Cheda Rental housing building in Thane by locals and an electrician. According to the residents, the lift causes problem daily with atleast one or two people getting stuck.
According to the regional disaster management cell of Thane, the victim boy identified as Swayam Mayur Mahadik (10), resident of 14th floor got stuck in a lift at 13th floor of Cheda and Cheda Rental housing building, an slum rehabilitation authority project in Thane's Naupada area.
Santosh Kadam, head of the Regional disaster management cell (RDMC) of Thane received a call from the local corporator at 11am. "The team of fire brigade reached the spot, but the boy was already rescued by the locals", he said.
Dr Ganesh Madhvi, husband of Pratibha Madhvi, a local corporator said that the lift causes problem every other day. "I received a call from a local about a small boy being stuck inside the elevator. So I immediately informned Mr Kadam of RDMC. It's an SRA building and the concerned authorities are not maintaining it. Some 15 days ago, I received a call about a similar incident," he added.
Sangita Kolapkar, 53, who resides on the 13 floor claims it seems Swayam was going downstairs to play. "I was inside our house, when I heard someone banging the door. First I thought it would be some neighbor, but later came out to see Swayam stuck inside the lift and banging the door. He was shouting "aunty please rescue me."
"My son, Shreyas, tried to open the lift using a stick but failed to open it. We then contacted the person who had the key for the lift. Till then we kept counseling the minor who was scared" said Kolapkar who then contacted the corporator for help. "Pandari Shinde, the electrician reached the spot and the boy to come out," added Sangita.
Sangita's son, Shreyas Kolapkar, was stuck twice inside the lift, while Sangita was also stuck once and also said that the issue is common and neglected. "The backup battery installed in the lift was removed a few days ago by someone. Usually during power cuts or less supply of electricity the battery helps the lift to reach to the ground floor. Maintenance of the lift is very important." added Shreyas. Fire brigade department has also asked the society to immediately carry out maintanance of the life.
