Woman dies after lift accident in Ongole apartment

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A still from CCTV footage at Sai Surya Enclave in Ongole, showing Vanitha, 45, trapped at a lift door on Sunday, as her daughter calls for help. CCTV screengrab | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A 45-year-old woman reportedly died in a hospital in Ongole on Sunday (August 16, 2026) after getting trapped between the lift in her apartment and the edge of the floor while attempting to step out. The incident, which occurred at Sai Surya Enclave in Vidyut Colony of Mamidipalem in Gaddalagunta, came to light only on Thursday after CCTV footage of it spread on social media.

According to the Ongole One Town police, the deceased has been identified as Vanitha, a resident of the apartment.

A shocking accident took place at Surya Towers society in Ongole when the elevator suddenly dropped even though its doors were open. A 50-year-old woman was stepping out with her family when this happened. Her family managed to get off safely, but she got trapped inside and… pic.twitter.com/cg4ojPqGZE

Vanitha reportedly entered the lift along with her daughter and grandson on Sunday evening. After reaching their destination, the daughter and her grandson managed to step out, however, when Vanitha was preparing to get out, the lift suddenly began moving down. In a desperate attempt to exit, she reportedly jumped towards the corridor, but got trapped between the edge of the floor as gate of the lift came crashing down on her.

Her daughter screamed for help and kept pressing the lift’s call button. A man ran in and pulled at her arms, trying to drag her free.

Police said the apartment residents rescued her and she was rushed to the RIMS Hospital in Ongole, where she succumbed to her injuries. Doctors said that she suffered a heart attack while undergoing treatment that evening.

The police have reportedly not received a complaint from the family and no case has been registered. They said they had asked the family about the incident.

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