A woman in her 70s from Jersey City fell down an elevator shaft in her apartment building in a startling incident that alarmed the community.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, had just stepped into the elevator on the first floor of her building when tragedy struck – the elevator car was not present, causing her to plummet downwards.
Quick Action Saves Child in New Jersey Elevator Tragedy
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene as the woman’s young granddaughter, whom she had just picked up from school, stood frozen with shock on the first-floor landing. Residents nearby could hear her screams of terror as panic gripped the building.
Brandon Rennick and his cousin, reacting swiftly to the emergency, rushed to secure the child’s safety before turning their attention to the trapped woman. Jersey City fire rescue officials were also swiftly on the scene to render aid.
The woman sustained serious injuries in the fall, including a broken elbow and a tear in her stomach, according to her daughter and a neighbor. She was immediately hospitalized for treatment.
The cause of the elevator malfunction remains unclear, with caution tape cordoning off the area as investigations continue. However, residents of the building claim that this incident is merely symptomatic of a broader problem.
Edwin Perdomo, a neighbor residing near the victim’s daughter, lamented a litany of issues plaguing the building, including mold infestations, leaks, and pest problems.
Despite repeated complaints, residents allege that the management company, Cross County Management, has failed to address these pressing concerns.
“People complain about issues from the day they moved in, and nothing ever gets done,” Perdomo voiced frustration. “I’ve heard countless stories about this elevator malfunctioning, people getting stuck.”
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Residents Demand Action After Elevator Tragedy
Attempts to reach Cross County Management for comment were unsuccessful, with calls going unanswered. However, a neighbor disclosed that management had visited the building in the wake of the accident and is slated to meet with residents later in the week.
This alarming incident has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive maintenance and oversight of essential building infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
As investigations into the elevator malfunction continue, residents are left grappling with concerns about the adequacy of building management and the security of their living environment.
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