Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and eight others were rescued by the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services after they became trapped inside a malfunctioning lift at a private hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday evening.
The incident occurred when Tharoor arrived at the hotel to attend the installation ceremony of the Rotary Club of Trivandrum East.
Lift malfunction triggers rescue operation
According to officials, the Thiruvananthapuram Fire Station received an emergency call at around 7.37 pm, reporting that several people, including the Congress MP, were trapped inside the lift.
Before the rescue team arrived, hotel staff and others attempted to free those inside by partially opening the lift doors using iron rods. However, their efforts were unsuccessful.
Fire and Rescue Services personnel reached the hotel within minutes and used a hydraulic spreader to force open the lift doors safely.
The rescue operation was completed at around 7.51 pm, with all nine occupants brought out unharmed. Officials later found that the lift had stopped before reaching the intended floor.
Tharoor thanks rescue personnel
Stepping out of the lift with a smile, Tharoor expressed his gratitude to the rescue team.
“Thank you to all of you. Well done. You have done a good job,” he told the officers, adding that everyone trapped inside was safe.
Speaking to reporters later, the MP said the hotel had initially contacted lift mechanics, but they were unable to rectify the fault. With the issue unresolved, the hotel sought assistance from the Fire and Rescue Services.
Praises quick response
Tharoor praised the rescue personnel for their prompt action, saying they reached the hotel within five minutes and handled the situation professionally.
“I have a good opinion about the Fire and Rescue Services. The officers here did a good job. They reached here within five minutes. Very good and thank you very much,” he said.
The Congress leader also invited the rescue team for tea after the operation, but the officers politely declined before shaking hands with him and leaving.
Later, Tharoor felicitated the Fire and Rescue Services personnel in recognition of their swift response and professionalism during the rescue operation.