Overloaded lift collapses in Odisha hospital, narrow escape for 27 people

Panic gripped the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Malkangiri on Thursday after a lift collapsed while carrying more than double its capacity. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though the incident left patients’ attendants shaken.

According to reports, the lift, designed to carry 10–12 persons, was overloaded with around 27 people at the time of the mishap. The overcrowding caused the lift to malfunction while moving from the first floor to the second floor, leading to a sudden breakdown.

As soon as the emergency siren went off, hospital authorities rushed to the spot. The lift was opened manually, and all those trapped inside were rescued safely. Witnesses said it could have turned into a major tragedy had the rescue not been carried out on time.

Hospital management later confirmed that the lift would remain out of service until repaired. A team of mechanics from Visakhapatnam is expected to arrive tomorrow to restore the facility.

The incident has raised serious concerns over safety measures in government hospitals. Locals have demanded stricter monitoring to prevent overloading of lifts and to ensure patient and attendant safety.

Thankfully, due to prompt action, a major disaster was averted.