Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Nov 23: A routine elevator ride turned into a tense midnight episode for five Manipal students after they were trapped inside a lift at a residential complex in Indrali, prompting a swift rescue by the Udupi Fire and Emergency Services.

The incident occurred around 12:10 am at the United Icon, a ground-plus-three-storey apartment building where the students reside. The lift is said to have abruptly stalled on the ground floor, leaving the students unable to open the doors or communicate with anyone outside.

Realising they were stuck, the students immediately rang their friends, who alerted the Udupi fire station. “We received the call shortly after midnight and mobilised the team at once,” an official from the department said. Within minutes, a rescue team reached the spot and began efforts to free the trapped group.

Fire personnel worked for nearly half an hour, manually prising open the lift and ensuring the students were brought out safely. “The priority was to keep them calm and get them out without causing any damage or further risk,” said assistant fire station officer Ravindra, who led the operation.

The successful rescue involved leading fireman Raghavendra, fireman Ravi Naik, and driver Sudheer, all of whom assisted in the controlled and safe extraction. No injuries were reported, though the students were said to be visibly shaken after the ordeal.

Residents of the building expressed relief at the quick response. “It could have been far worse had the fire brigade not acted with such speed,” said a resident who witnessed the rescue.

Authorities are expected to inspect the lift to determine the cause of the malfunction.