SANDAKAN: Two women were rescued by the Civil Defence Force (APM) after being trapped for about 35 minutes in a lift on the sixth floor of Wisma Persekutuan Sandakan, Batu 7, following a power disruption, Tuesday.
Sandakan District Civil Defence Officer Sulaiman Salama said a team was dispatched to the scene following an emergency call from a member of the public.
He said the power supply had already been restored by the time officers arrived, but the lift doors remained stuck, leaving both women trapped inside.
“One of the victims informed us they were inside the lift for about 35 minutes before they were freed,” he said.
Sulaiman said APM personnel maintained constant communication with the victims throughout the operation to keep them calm and ensure the situation remained under control. At the same time, officers worked to open the lift doors.
He said the rescue team used a spreader cutter to force open the jammed doors.
“Through the officers’ swift action, the lift doors were opened and both victims were brought out safely without sustaining any injuries,” he said.
The operation was called off once the situation was confirmed safe and under control.
Sulaiman advised the public not to panic if they find themselves trapped in a lift and urged them to contact building management or an emergency line immediately for help, noting that reporting such incidents promptly can speed up rescue efforts and reduce the risk to those trapped.
