Man stuck in lift with pet dog for 45 mins; rescued

Lucknow: A 40-year-old man was trapped inside the lift of a commercial apartment with his pet dog for 45 minutes on Sunday before his distress calls were heard by a passer-by, who alerted the security guards for rescue.

The man, Ranvijay Singh, a resident of Saraswati Apartment in Gomti Nagar Extension, said the lift stopped midway while he was returning from a walk with his pet dog and travelling from the ground floor to the sixth floor.

He said the emergency alarm did not work and no security guard was present nearby. He also contacted the firm responsible for lift maintenance, but the operator reportedly said the lift would be inspected on Monday, citing Sunday as a non-working day.

Unable to get immediate help, he began banging on the lift door. After about 25 minutes, a passer-by heard his calls and alerted his family and security staff. Two guards reached the spot and managed to open one of the lift doors after about 20 minutes of effort, following which he was rescued.

Singh alleged that despite residents paying Rs 1,000 per month as maintenance charges, basic services such as lift maintenance were being neglected.

Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) secretary R K Singh said, “We were informed after the person was rescued. We have asked the firm to ensure emergency support. If such lapses continue, the association may discontinue its services.”