Firefighters Use Rope Rescue in NJ Elevator Entrapment

Firefighters from the Wayne Township Fire Department in New Jersey rappelled down several floors in an industrial elevator shaft to rescue six juveniles trapped inside on April 15, Shore News is among outlets to report. Attempts were made to reset the elevator by first responders as well as an elevator mechanic, according to the source. Rising temperatures inside the elevator caused them to decide to perform a rope rescue, which the source reports is usually a last resort. First responders used a rope-and-pulley system to rappel around 25 feet into the elevator shaft from the third floor. They were able to open the hatch on the ceiling of the lift and free the six juveniles stuck inside by harnessing and transporting them one at a time to safety.