RG Kar hospital's elevator crashes ; 1 person killed

A 40-year-old man died after becoming trapped in an elevator at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital early Friday morning, triggering protests by a section of patients’ relatives inside the hospital premises. The deceased has been identified as Arup Banerjee, a resident of Dum Dum.

According to preliminary information, Banerjee had boarded an elevator at the hospital’s Trauma Care Center around 5:00 AM to reach the fifth floor. He was accompanied by his wife and their four-year-old son while on his way to visit his elder son, who is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. For reasons yet to be determined, the elevator suddenly experienced a violent jolt and, instead of moving upward, reportedly plunged down to the basement level. After a considerable delay, the elevator doors were finally opened and all three occupants were rescued. Banerjee was found dead at the scene, while his wife and younger son were reported to be physically unharmed.

It remains unclear whether the incident was caused by a mechanical malfunction. Police from Tala Police Station have launched an investigation into the accident. Following the incident, tensions escalated within the hospital premises, prompting the deployment of central forces to restore order. The situation has since been brought under control. Banerjee’s body is being sent for post-mortem examination, and no formal complaint has yet been lodged by the family.