Three children have been rescued after becoming trapped inside a lift for more than three hours in Marbella.
The youngsters, aged between 12 and 13, were finally freed following a complex operation involving six firefighters, four Local Police officers and technicians.
The drama unfolded on Wednesday afternoon at an apartment building on Calle Antonio Belon.
Emergency services received the alert at around 4.15pm, by which point the children had already been stuck inside the lift for approximately an hour.
The subsequent rescue operation lasted until around 7pm.
The children became understandably nervous during their lengthy ordeal but were eventually freed in good condition and none required medical treatment.
Complex rescue operation
Firefighters faced a particularly difficult task because the lift’s emergency safety mechanism had been activated.
The cabin’s so-called parachute system, which is designed to prevent uncontrolled movement of the lift in certain circumstances, had engaged and prevented the cabin from being moved normally.
To make matters worse, the lift had stopped at the level of a mezzanine rather than directly alongside a floor, ruling out a conventional evacuation through the doors.
Firefighters therefore had to carry out specialised manoeuvres to release the safety mechanism.
Once it had been unlocked, crews used specialist equipment to raise the lift cabin in a controlled manner until it reached a position from which the three children could safely be removed.
All three emerged unharmed after spending more than three hours trapped inside.
What should you do if you’re trapped in a lift?
Following the incident, Marbella’s municipal fire service reminded residents and tourists of what to do if they become trapped in a lift.
The most important advice is to remain calm and use the alarm button or emergency communication system inside the cabin to call for assistance.
Anyone with a mobile phone can also contact emergency services or the assistance number displayed inside the lift, providing the precise location of the building and as much information as possible.
Firefighters warned people never to force open the doors, attempt to climb out themselves or interfere with the lift’s mechanisms, particularly if the cabin has stopped between floors.
Instead, occupants should remain inside until trained personnel arrive, follow their instructions and avoid unnecessary movements.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
