Tokyo Skytree elevator plummets, trapping passengers, stranding tourists

An elevator at Tokyo Skytree malfunctioned on Sunday night, reportedly plunging before stopping abruptly about 30 meters above ground, trapping around 15 to 30 passengers and leaving many tourists stranded at the observation deck.

Police received reports between 8.15pm and 8.30pm local time that an elevator descending from the observation deck had suddenly dropped and then stopped, trapping those inside. The Tokyo Fire Department dispatched fire trucks, ambulances, and patrol cars to the scene.

The trapped passengers included two children, according to some reports. As of midnight, some passengers were still awaiting rescue. No injuries have been reported.

The incident disrupted other elevator services, leaving large numbers of tourists stuck inside the tower. Visitors waiting nearly 1.5 hours to leave the observation deck described scenes of 300 to 400 people queuing for the remaining operational elevators.

Tokyo Skytree management stated that rescue operations and inspections are ongoing, with the cause of the malfunction under investigation.