Overloaded Lift Collapses at Malkangiri District Hospital, 27 Rescued

Malkangiri: A major tragedy was averted at the Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital after an overloaded lift collapsed mid-way, trapping 27 people inside. All the trapped individuals, mostly relatives of patients, were safely rescued with no casualties reported.

According to officials, the lift had a maximum capacity of 10–12 persons but was carrying more than double its limit. The wire snapped while moving from the first to the second floor, causing the elevator to get stuck. The emergency siren was immediately triggered, following which hospital staff and security personnel manually opened the doors and evacuated the passengers.

Eyewitnesses said the quick response of the hospital staff prevented what could have been a fatal mishap. However, this is not the first such incident. Sources revealed that similar lift malfunctions have occurred earlier, raising concerns about safety protocols and maintenance in government hospitals.

Confirming the development, Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO) Dr. Brajakishore Das said the lift will remain out of service until repairs are completed. “A team of mechanics from Visakhapatnam will arrive on Friday to restore the elevator,” he informed.

Meanwhile, locals expressed anger over repeated lift failures at the hospital and demanded stricter monitoring of safety norms to prevent such incidents in the future.