ShashiTharoor – Kerala Rescue Team Earns Praise After Swift Hotel Elevator Operation
ShashiTharoor –Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his gratitude to the Kerala Fire & Rescue Service after its personnel safely rescued him from a stalled elevator at a private hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. The senior Congress leader said the prompt and professional response of the rescue team ensured that the incident ended without injury, even though it briefly disrupted his schedule.
Elevator malfunction delays public programme
The incident took place on Saturday when Tharoor arrived at a private hotel in Thiruvananthapuram to participate in the installation ceremony of the Rotary Club of Trivandrum East. According to officials, the elevator stopped functioning unexpectedly, leaving the Thiruvananthapuram MP trapped inside for around 30 minutes before emergency responders reached the location.
Although the delay forced changes to his planned engagements for the day, the Congress leader remained safe throughout the incident and was brought out without any complications.
Fire and Rescue team responds within minutes
Officials from the Kerala Fire & Rescue Service said a distress call was received soon after the elevator became stuck. A rescue unit was immediately dispatched to the hotel, where firefighters assessed the situation and used a hydraulic spreader to carefully force open the jammed lift doors.
The specialised equipment enabled the team to create sufficient space for a safe evacuation while avoiding any risk to the occupant. Authorities said the operation was completed efficiently, allowing Tharoor to exit the elevator unharmed.
Tharoor thanks emergency personnel
After the rescue, Tharoor took to X to acknowledge the efforts of the emergency responders. Quoting a post describing the incident, he praised the firefighters for their speed, technical expertise and professionalism.
He noted that spending about half an hour inside the lift was manageable, but admitted that the unexpected delay caused him to miss the timing of two subsequent appointments, including a scheduled meeting with a minister.
Despite the inconvenience, the Congress MP said the quick action of the Kerala Fire & Rescue Service deserved recognition. He thanked the team for reaching the hotel within minutes of receiving the emergency call and carrying out the rescue with remarkable efficiency.
Public appreciation at Rotary Club event
Following the operation, Tharoor continued with his planned visit to the Rotary Club of Trivandrum East. During the programme, he publicly acknowledged the firefighters who had assisted him, appreciating their dedication and swift response in handling the situation.
Those present at the event witnessed the Congress leader personally recognising the rescue personnel, highlighting the importance of trained emergency services and their role in ensuring public safety during unexpected incidents.
Officials outline successful rescue operation
Fire and Rescue officials reiterated that the response team followed established emergency procedures while dealing with the stalled elevator. The use of hydraulic rescue equipment allowed the doors to be opened safely without causing additional damage or putting anyone at risk.
Authorities also noted that timely reporting of such incidents and the availability of specialised rescue tools are crucial in handling lift-related emergencies. The successful operation once again demonstrated the preparedness of Kerala’s emergency response teams in addressing technical incidents quickly and effectively.
The episode concluded without injuries, and Tharoor was able to resume his public engagements after thanking the rescue personnel for their prompt assistance and professional conduct.