Worker Trapped for 15 Hours in Lift on 21st Floor of Thane High-Rise, Rescued Safely

Thane, Maharashtra – A 39-year-old worker was rescued after being trapped for more than 15 hours in a cradle lift suspended on the 21st floor of an under-construction high-rise in Thane’s Majiwada area. The dramatic rescue unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday after a power outage left the worker stranded high above ground level.

Power Outage Leads to Terrifying Ordeal

The incident occurred on Tuesday around 3 PM while the worker, a native of Kolkata, was engaged in exterior painting work using a cradle lift. A sudden power failure at the site immobilized the lift, leaving him suspended in mid-air without any immediate rescue mechanism.

The high-rise complex, still under construction, includes a parking basement, four floors of parking, and a 35-storey residential tower. The stranded worker remained stuck through the evening and into the night with no immediate intervention.
 

Delayed Response Highlights Safety Lapses
 

According to Yasin Tadvi, head of Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell, the matter was only brought to the authorities’ attention at 2:02 AM on Wednesday when the Balkum fire station relayed the emergency. Upon reaching the scene around 4 AM, Tadvi discovered that no safety team or lift technicians were present, apart from a single site supervisor.

Crucially, the rescue was further delayed due to a strike by electricity department staff, which complicated the restoration of power to the cradle lift. "There was no immediate plan or contingency in place, which is alarming for such a tall structure still under construction," Tadvi said.
 

Swift Action from Disaster Management Saves the Day

In an effort to expedite the rescue, Tadvi contacted a senior Maharashtra State Electricity Board officer directly, who deployed two engineers to the site. Simultaneously, the construction site engineer was ordered to arrange for a private generator. Within 30 minutes, a generator arrived.

A coordinated effort involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Management Unit, fire brigade, local police, and electricity staff led to the cradle being powered up and safely lowered to the ground. The worker was finally rescued at around 6 AM on Wednesday morning — physically unharmed but visibly shaken.
 

Questions Raised About Construction Site Safety
 

While the worker survived the ordeal without injury, the incident has highlighted serious lapses in safety protocols and emergency preparedness at the construction site. Officials emphasized the importance of having backup power systems in place and trained safety personnel available at all times.

“There must be proper safety compliance at every under-construction site. Leaving a worker stranded on the 21st floor with no backup plan is unacceptable,” Tadvi noted.

The Thane Municipal Corporation is likely to send a notice to the builder and initiate an audit of safety measures at the site. A report will also be forwarded to the Maharashtra Labour Department and the local housing authority for further action.
 

Construction Delays, Strikes Compounded Rescue
 

The situation was further complicated by the ongoing strike by power sector workers in the state, which delayed restoration efforts. This has also raised concerns about the impact of such industrial actions on critical rescue operations and essential services.

 

Worker in Good Health, But Emotional Toll Evident
 

Medical teams evaluated the worker post-rescue, confirming he had no injuries. However, emergency responders noted signs of mental distress, dehydration, and fatigue. He was offered psychological support and advised rest before returning to work.

The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of strict safety enforcement, particularly in high-rise construction projects where risks are exponentially higher.