2 Rescued From Water Neck-High in Elevator

[alp227]

Source: The New York Times

In his 34 years with the New York Fire Department, Capt. James Melvin has seen his share of stuck elevators. But he had never witnessed anything quite like what happened Sunday on Staten Island.

Two construction workers were stuck in an elevator that was filling with water, Captain Melvin explained, with a hint of amazement in his voice. By the time firefighters arrived, the water level had risen as high as the two trapped men’s necks.

“We’ve had plenty of elevator emergencies, but never one that’s down sinking in water,” said Captain Melvin, of Ladder Company 86 on Richmond Avenue. As for the two men, he added, “They were happy to see us.”

The men were working in the former Staten Island Hotel in Graniteville, which is being renovated into an assisted-living residence for older people.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/15/nyregion/two-saved-from-drowning-in-stuck-elevator-on-si.html

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. They were happy to see us! I should think so.

That scenario is right out of any scary movie!

I'm relieved they're OK.

[onehandle]

2. Specifically, 'Big Trouble In Little China.' nt

[Suich]

3. That's the stuff of nightmares! n/t

[renate]

4. OMG how terrifying

I'm so glad everything worked out okay. Those poor guys.

[Scottybeamer70]

5. Elevators are not my friend........

After being in an elevator that fell 15 floors, free fall, I can tell you that I avoid
elevators like the plague! Lucky to even be alive! I can't imagine what those two
men were going through......what a nightmare!!

[toddwv]

6. That's like a really bad movie...

that everybody in the theater would leave saying "that could never happen".

[Politicalboi]

7. It's happened in a phone booth. LOL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO6zw10qnQk

I remember as a kid watching this episode, and thinking I could fill the shower stall with water and that would be fun. Turned out, it wasn't so fun. Showers leak.

[closeupready]

9. Ok, that actually made me laugh,

:rofl: Thanks for the video.

[Evasporque]

8. Sure it wasn't an assisted drowning facility....nt