SEATTLE – On April 16 at 5:17 p.m., the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center dispatched Ladder 4 to an elevator rescue in a high-rise building in the 1900 block of 8th Ave.
What initially appeared to be a routine call quickly became more complex. Ladder 4 arrived to find two occupants trapped after the elevator malfunctioned and dropped several floors. One of the occupants reported a minor injury, the other was uninjured. Due to the building’s elevator configuration, the car was only accessible from the 10th floor and above, but had become stuck near the 3rd floor, where there was no direct access.
Rescue Company 1 and Engine 2 joined the response. The crews, along with the Battalion 2 Chief and the Safety Chief, developed a technical rescue plan. Firefighters set up a high-directional rope system from the 10th floor and were lowered into the shaft to reach the elevator. Each occupant was secured in a harness, then individually lifted through the hatch and up to the 10th floor where firefighters were waiting to receive them.
Both individuals were evaluated by paramedics from Medic 10. One was transported to the hospital by AMR for a minor injury.
Thanks to strong teamwork and a calm, coordinated approach, everyone, including our firefighters, made it safely back to solid ground!
The scene was cleared by 9 p.m. and crews returned to service. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections was notified during the incident.
In total, Ladder 4, Engine 2, Rescue Company 1, the Battalion 2 Chief, the Safety Chief, and Medic 10 responded to the incident. AMR responded for patient care and transport as well.
