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Orlando firefighters scale elevator shaft to rescue trapped person

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Published  January 17, 2025 11:31pm EST
Orange County
FOX 35 Orlando

Orlando firefighters scale elevator shaft to rescue trapped person

Firefighters with the Orlando Fire Department performed a daring rescue in downtown Orlando, rappelling down a high-rise building’s elevator shaft to reach a person trapped inside.

The Brief

    • Orlando firefighters performed a complex rescue, rappelling down a high-rise elevator shaft to save a person trapped between floors in a downtown building.
    • Using a Vortex rope system, the team navigated a "blind shaft" with no operating floors between levels, showcasing their specialized training.
    • Officials emphasized that elevator entrapments are rare, urging calmness and the use of in-cab emergency systems, while reassuring the public of professional assistance in such situations.

ORLANDO, Fla - Firefighters with the Orlando Fire Department performed a daring rescue in downtown Orlando, rappelling down a high-rise building’s elevator shaft to reach a person trapped inside.

The incident occurred in a 17-story building near Terry Avenue and Livingston Street. The elevator was stuck between the first and second floors, presenting significant challenges for the rescue team.

‘We train on a daily basis for things like this’

What they're saying:

"We had to go up to the floor above — the seventh floor — and set up a rope rescue system to lower rescuers down to the top of the elevator car," said OFD Lieutenant Bassel Ibrahim.

The elevator was in a "blind shaft," Ibrahim explained, meaning there were no operating floors between the second and sixth stories, complicating access to the stranded individual.

Firefighters with the Orlando Fire Department performed a daring elevator rescue in downtown Orlando. [Credit: Orlando Fire Department]

Using a specialized rescue system called the Vortex, which requires at least four operators, two firefighters were lowered on harnesses while the others managed the ropes from above.

"We train on a daily basis for things like this," Ibrahim said.

Firefighters with the Orlando Fire Department performed a daring elevator rescue in downtown Orlando. [Credit: Orlando Fire Department]

What you can do:

While OFD successfully executed the complex rescue without injuries, Deputy Chief Craig Hulette emphasized the importance of remaining calm if stuck in an elevator.

"Use the resources inside the cab of the elevator, like telephones or emergency systems, to let maintenance know," Hulette advised.

Although elevator entrapments are rare, Hulette reassured residents of their safety. 

"Elevators are a safe mode of transportation, but if something goes wrong, know that professionals are just moments away to get you out."

The person trapped was safely rescued, and no injuries were reported.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Orlando Fire Department.

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