TOKYO - An elevator at Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward made an emergency stop on February 22nd, trapping 20 passengers for about six hours before they were safely rescued with no injuries reported, and the landmark tower remained closed on February 23rd while the operator announced it would also remain temporarily closed on February 24th for further safety inspections and investigation.
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a call was received at around 8:20 p.m. on February 22nd reporting that people were trapped inside an elevator at the landmark tower. One of four elevators at the facility had come to a halt at about 30 meters above ground, stranding 20 people, including two children.
Passengers who called police said a descending elevator had suddenly “dropped rapidly” before stopping. In addition to those inside the stalled elevator, about 1,200 visitors at the observation decks were temporarily unable to descend and were left waiting until operations resumed.
All passengers in the stopped elevator were rescued at around 2 a.m., roughly six hours after the initial report. A reporter at the scene said those who had been stranded were later seen leaving the tower and getting into taxis. No injuries or health problems were reported among those rescued.
Rescue operations began about five hours after the emergency stop. Another elevator that had been halted at the Tembo Deck at 350 meters was lowered to around the 30-meter level and positioned alongside the stalled car. A stainless-steel board with handrails was placed between the emergency doors of the two elevators, allowing the trapped passengers to move across to the functioning car and be brought to safety.
At the time of the incident, a strong-wind advisory had been issued for Tokyo’s 23 wards. Experts say Tokyo Skytree has unique evacuation challenges compared with ordinary buildings, as there are no floors between the 5th floor and the observation deck. Yoshio Aoki, a specially appointed professor at Nihon University’s College of Science and Technology, said gusting winds and the tower’s rebound motion could have caused vibrations similar to those experienced during an earthquake, potentially triggering the emergency-stop mechanism.
Visitors who had planned to enter the tower on February 23rd found it closed, with some expressing disappointment after arriving. The operator said the facility would remain temporarily closed on February 24th as investigations and safety checks continue, adding that it will examine the cause of the trouble and take steps to prevent a recurrence.
Source: FNN
