CEBU CITY – A group of nursing students was rescued after they were trapped inside the elevator of a university here on Monday night, Nov. 4.
RESCUERS from the Bureau of Fire Protection try to forcibly open an elevator which malfunctioned and trapped 18 students inside. (Contributed photo)
The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. inside the campus of the Cebu Technological University (CTU) Main Campus in Barangay Tinago.
According to investigation, CTU was holding their intramurals on that day but 18 nursing students asked if they could take an examination in one of their subjects.
The students proceeded to the fifth floor of the CTU Science and Technology Building.
On their way down, the 18 students took the elevator that can only take 10 passengers.
The elevator malfunctioned and slowly descended to the ground floor.
The students tried to forcibly open the elevator but failed as the power shut off.
Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection led by SFO1 Jeric Alburo rushed to the school after receiving the report.
Fearing that the trapped students will be suffocated, the BFP quickly coordinated with the school’s Quick Response Team which provided them metal bars and other tools to open the elevator.
While trying to open the elevator, the rescue team advised the trapped students not to panic.
It took at least 15 minutes before the elevator was opened and the students were safely rescued.
Because of the incident, the school’s management decided to temporarily suspend the use of the elevator while it is undergoing necessary repairs.