A man became trapped in a severely leaking elevator in Changsha, with rising water submerging the cabin floor and disabling surveillance cameras. Despite trembling from stress, he lit a cigarette and recorded a video for help. He was rescued safely without injury.

Social Context

China’s Special Equipment Safety Law mandates regular maintenance and emergency response plans for elevators, yet aging infrastructure in older residential complexes—especially in rapidly urbanizing cities like Changsha—often leads to delayed repairs and insufficient drainage safeguards. Public education campaigns now emphasize using emergency intercoms first, rather than risky improvisation like smoking near electrical components.

Safety Tip

If trapped in a flooding elevator, immediately press the emergency alarm button and call building management; avoid open flames or electronic devices near submerged panels due to electrocution risk.