Mirpur:Three individuals, including an eight-year-old boy, sustained injuries when an elevator plummeted after its cables snapped at a housing complex for public servants in Mirpur on Friday morning.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the injured have been identified as Mostafizur Rahman, 62, a former employee of the Prime Minister's Office, Nais Ahmed, 40, and his son Md Wasi, 8. They were transported to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation for treatment, where a doctor reported that Nais Ahmed suffered fractures in both legs.
The accident took place at building No. 1 near Mirpur-1 Ansar Camp around 600 a.m., as reported by Rafiqul Islam, an employee of the Department of Government Transport and president of the building committee. Md Shahabuddin Ahmed, general secretary of the building committee, stated that the three residents had entered the elevator after Fajr prayers before it suddenly fell with a loud noise. The security guard and nearby residents responded to the cries for help and assisted in rescuing the injured.
Residents of the complex have expressed concerns over the frequent malfunctions of the lift, alleging that it had been subject to temporary repairs despite repeated complaints. Administrative officer Samir Chandra Shil noted that the lift was operational only after makeshift repairs, despite being deemed unsafe. Complaints were reportedly filed with the Public Works Department, yet no substantial measures were taken.
Mokshed Ali, a senior assistant at the Ministry of Defence, emphasized the urgency for the authorities to address the issue, warning of the potential for more serious incidents. The accident has heightened anxiety among residents, who also reported that many lifts across the eight-building complex are in poor condition and fear a more severe accident if maintenance issues remain unaddressed.