Emporia Fire now says eight people were in an elevator that fell about 10 feet in downtown Emporia on Saturday, sending all eight to Newman Regional Health for treatment.
Battalion Chief Ryan Schmidt says crews were dispatched to 504 1/2 Commercial for a reported elevator entrapment just after 12:45 pm. Instead of finding an entrapment, however, firefighters discovered a lift cable had broken while the elevator was full and about halfway up to the second floor.
Emporia Police Lt. Tim Wacker says the elevator was overloaded at the time of the incident. Schmidt says those hurt by the incident suffered moderate traumatic injuries.
Aaron and Sandra Adams of Wamego own both 504 and 502 Commercial, according to Lyon County records. It’s unclear what was taking place at 504 Commercial as the elevator cable gave way.
2:30 pm Saturday: Elevator fails in downtown Emporia, seven to Newman Regional Health for treatment
Seven people have been taken to the hospital after an elevator failed in downtown Emporia early Saturday afternoon.
Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Schmidt says emergency personnel were called to 504 1/2 Commercial. The elevator was about 10 feet in the air when the cable snapped, sending the elevator to the ground with seven people inside. Schmidt says injuries ranged from minor bruises to significant trauma. Names have not been released.
The elevator is on the back side of the building. Other details are currently pending.
