Three people were seriously injured after a lift fell when its cable snapped at a government housing project for officials and employees in Mirpur-1 of the capital early Friday.
The injured were taken to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in Agargaon.
The incident took place around 6am at Building 1 of the government officials’ and employees’ housing project west of the Paikpara Ansar Camp.
Rafiqul Islam, an employee of the Directorate of Government Transport and president of the building’s committee, confirmed the incident.
The injured were identified as Mostafizur Rahman, 62, a former employee of the Prime Minister’s Office; Nais Ahmed, 40; and his eight-year-old son, Md Wasi.
A doctor at NITOR said Nais suffered fractures to both legs.
Md Shahabuddin Ahmed, a personal officer at the Bangladesh Public Service Commission Secretariat and general secretary of the building committee, said three residents from the fifth floor entered the lift after Fajr prayers.
“Soon after, we heard a loud bang as the lift plunged. The security guard rushed to the spot and heard screams from inside. Several people then gathered and rescued the three before taking them to hospital,” he said, quoting witnesses.
Residents alleged that the lift had been frequently malfunctioning for a long time and was being operated after temporary repairs.
Samir Chandra Shil, an administrative officer at the Finance Division, said residents had repeatedly informed the Public Works Department about the condition of the lift.
“The accident has shown how dangerous the lift has become,” he said.
Mokshed Ali, a senior assistant at the Ministry of Defence, said the lift had continued operating despite repeated complaints that it was beyond repair.
“We have repeatedly informed the authorities concerned and are demanding immediate steps to resolve the problem,” he said.
The accident has sparked concern among residents of the housing project, which has eight buildings.
Residents alleged that lifts in most of the buildings are also in poor condition and are not properly maintained. They fear that inadequate maintenance could lead to a more serious accident if immediate measures are not taken.
