Shashi Tharoor safely rescued after hotel lift malfunctions in Thiruvananthapuram | Video

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was safely rescued on Friday evening after he and several others became trapped inside a lift at a private hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. The incident occurred at Hotel Prasanth in the city's PMG area, where the MP had arrived to attend an event.

According to reports, Tharoor reached the hotel at around 6 pm and entered the lift to travel to the sixth floor. The lift, carrying the MP, members of his personal staff and three other passengers, reportedly malfunctioned midway, leaving everyone stranded inside.

Firefighters Rescue Passengers

Hotel employees initially tried to open the lift but were unable to resolve the issue. The Kerala Fire and Rescue Services were then called, and rescue personnel reached the hotel within minutes.

Using a hydraulic spreader, firefighters managed to force open the lift doors and safely bring out all those trapped inside. Officials said the passengers remained stuck for around 15 to 30 minutes before the rescue operation was completed.

No injuries were reported.

Speaking after the incident, Tharoor praised the swift response of the rescue personnel and confirmed that everyone inside the lift was unharmed.

He said the lift maintenance team and hotel staff were contacted first, but they were unable to fix the problem. Only then was the Fire and Rescue Services called.

"The fire force arrived within five minutes of being informed, and I sincerely thank them. Everyone is safe," Tharoor said after the rescue.

Cause Yet to Be Confirmed

Preliminary reports suggest the lift may have malfunctioned due to overloading, although officials have not confirmed the exact reason behind the incident.

Authorities are expected to examine the lift and investigate the cause of the malfunction.

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