Elderly employee dies after lift malfunction at Chennai eatery

Chennai: A 70-year-old employee died on Tuesday after falling from a lift at a restaurant in the city, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns over the maintenance of such equipment in commercial establishments.

The deceased, identified as a staff member of the eatery, was using the lift when it reportedly developed a technical snag. The malfunction caused the lift to move unexpectedly, leading to the man losing his balance and falling to his death.

Incident details

The incident took place at a restaurant in Chennai, though the exact location has not been officially disclosed. Police said the employee was likely using the service lift, which is commonly used by staff to transport goods and move between floors.

Initial reports suggest the lift stopped abruptly or jerked violently, throwing the man off balance. He fell from the lift, sustaining severe injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Police investigation underway

Local police have registered a case and are investigating the matter. Officials are examining the lift's maintenance records and questioning the restaurant management to determine whether any negligence was involved.

"We are looking into all aspects, including the lift's service history and whether safety protocols were followed," a police officer said on condition of anonymity. The restaurant has been asked to cooperate with the inquiry.

Safety concerns raised

The incident has cast a spotlight on the safety of lifts, particularly in older buildings and establishments that may not adhere to periodic maintenance schedules. According to experts, regular servicing and strict adherence to safety norms are crucial to prevent such accidents.

This is not the first such case in the city. In recent years, there have been multiple reports of lift-related accidents in Chennai, ranging from sudden drops to doors malfunctioning, some resulting in injuries and fatalities. However, officials have not yet confirmed any systemic lapses in this particular case.

Family and colleagues in shock

The deceased, who had been working at the eatery for several years, was known among colleagues as a dedicated and hardworking individual. His sudden demise has left his family and fellow staff members in shock.

Police have sent the body for post-mortem and are awaiting the report to ascertain the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, the restaurant management has expressed condolences to the family and said it is extending all necessary support.

Authorities have urged the public to report any lift-related safety issues to the concerned departments. They also advised commercial establishments to ensure that all lifts are inspected regularly by certified agencies and that safety mechanisms are in place.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The outcome of the post-mortem and the findings of the police inquiry will determine whether any criminal liability is fixed in the case.