Midnight scare in Udupi: Five students rescued after being trapped in apartment lift

Midnight scare in Udupi: Five students rescued after being trapped in apartment lift

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 24, 2025: A routine elevator ride turned into a tense late-night ordeal for five Manipal students who were trapped inside a lift at a residential complex in Indrali, prompting a swift response from the Udupi Fire and Emergency Services.

The incident occurred around 12:10 a.m. at United Icon, a ground-plus-three-storey apartment building where the students live. The lift reportedly stopped abruptly on the ground floor, leaving the occupants unable to open the doors or contact anyone outside.

The students immediately informed their friends, who in turn alerted the Udupi fire station. “We received the call shortly after midnight and mobilised the team at once,” a fire department official said. A rescue unit reached the building within minutes and began efforts to free the trapped group.

Fire personnel worked for nearly 30 minutes, manually prying open the lift and bringing the students out safely. “Our priority was to keep them calm and ensure a safe rescue without causing any further risk,” said Assistant Fire Station Officer Ravindra, who led the operation.

The rescue team included leading fireman Raghavendra, fireman Ravi Naik, and driver Sudheer. No injuries were reported, though the students were visibly shaken by the experience.

Residents expressed relief over the quick action. “It could have been much worse if the fire brigade hadn’t responded so quickly,” said one resident who witnessed the rescue.

Authorities are expected to inspect the lift to identify the cause of the malfunction.