Jersey Firefighters Rappel Down Elevator Shaft to Rescue 6 Trapped

Shore News Network

WAYNE, NJ – Firefighters from the Wayne Township Fire Department rappelled down several floors in an industrial elevator shaft to rescue six juveniles trapped inside.

According to the department, Fire Rescue Co. 5, along with Companies 1 & 2 responded to an elevator rescue Friday night to rescue six juveniles who were stuck inside.

The teens were in the industrial elevator approximately 25 feet below the top floor.

“After over an hour and multiple attempts to reset the elevator by the fire department and an elevator mechanic, the decision was made to remove the patients by rope rescue as the elevator temperature climbed to dangerous levels for extended occupancy,” the department said. “Elevator rope rescues are always the last resort and only performed when all other options have been exhausted or the quick removal of the patient is crucial to their well-being. The Special Response Team [SRT] was activated and two firefighters were lowered down to the elevator car to harness the patients.”


All six children and rescuers were hoisted using a pulley system and safely removed from the elevator.

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