Pune Fire Brigade Rescues Five, Including Toddler, Trapped in Lift at Katraj Housing Society
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 2nd August 2026: The Pune Fire Brigade safely rescued five people, including a two-and-a-half-year-old child, after they became trapped inside a lift due to a technical malfunction at Rutugandha Society in Datta Nagar, Katraj, on Saturday evening.
According to fire officials, the incident occurred at around 5:30 pm, when the Fire Brigade Control Room received an emergency call reporting that four adults and a toddler were stranded inside a stalled lift. A rescue team from the Katraj Fire Station was immediately dispatched to the housing society and began rescue operations upon arrival.
After assessing the situation, the firefighters carried out the operation by following all necessary safety protocols. Displaying professionalism and technical expertise, the team safely opened the lift and evacuated all five occupants. None of those rescued sustained any injuries.
The rescue operation was carried out by driver Bandu Gogawale and firefighters Kiran Patil, Vinayak Ghagare, and Liaqat Mujawar, whose prompt response and coordinated efforts ensured the safe evacuation of those trapped inside the lift.
Following the incident, Acting Fire Officer Vasant Bhilare urged citizens to remain calm if they ever become trapped inside a lift.
“If you become trapped inside a lift, do not panic or attempt to force the doors open or climb out on your own. Stay calm, use the emergency alarm, or contact the building management or the Fire Brigade, and wait for assistance from a trained rescue team. Remaining patient and avoiding unsafe actions is the safest course of action,” he said.
The incident once again highlighted the Pune Fire Brigade’s swift emergency response and underscored the importance of regular maintenance and timely inspection of lift systems in residential buildings to help prevent technical failures and ensure residents’ safety.
