A tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata has left a 40-year-old man dead after he was fatally injured inside a malfunctioning patient lift early Friday morning. The victim, identified as Arup Banerjee, died in front of his wife and three-year-old son after the family remained trapped inside the lift for nearly an hour.

Fatal injuries during desperate escape attempt

According to police sources, Banerjee was found wedged between the lift doors while attempting to force them open. His wife, Sonali, and their son Ayush sustained minor injuries, but Banerjee suffered severe trauma.

Officials confirmed that the cause of death was multiple internal injuries, including compression of the chest wall and rupture of vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and liver. Several fractures were also reported. Authorities stated that all injuries were sustained before death.

Incident inside restricted hospital area

The family had visited the hospital late Thursday night after their son suffered a fracture while playing at home. While waiting on the first floor of the trauma care building, they used the lift to reach a washroom on the ground floor.

CCTV footage shows the trio entering the lift around 4:45 am. However, the lift reportedly malfunctioned, moving between floors before eventually stopping in the basement, a restricted radiotherapy unit area that was locked at the time.

Hospital staff managed to rescue them around 5:12 am. Banerjee was immediately taken for treatment but succumbed to his injuries.

Family alleges delay and negligence

Banerjee’s family has alleged gross negligence on the part of hospital authorities. His sister claimed that the lift moved erratically and that cries for help went unanswered for a prolonged period.

His father also stated that timely intervention could have saved his son’s life, raising serious concerns about emergency response systems within the hospital.

Police action and investigation underway

Kolkata Police have registered a case under sections related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and common intention. Two security guards and three lift operators on duty have been arrested.

Authorities are examining CCTV footage and seeking additional evidence. A forensic team, along with lift experts and the manufacturer, will inspect the site to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.

The incident has sparked outrage, with political representatives also blaming administrative lapses and calling for accountability.