Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was rescued Friday after a hotel elevator malfunctioned in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala [1].

The incident involved a high-profile political figure and multiple civilians, highlighting the critical role of emergency response services in urban infrastructure failures.

Tharoor was traveling to attend the installation ceremony of the Rotary Club of Trivandrum East when the lift malfunctioned [2]. The elevator was traveling toward the sixth floor when it stopped [4].

Kerala Fire and Rescue Services responded to the scene at a private hotel, identified as Hotel Prasanth [3, 5]. Rescue crews utilized a hydraulic spreader to open the lift and free the passengers [2].

Tharoor was trapped for nearly 30 minutes [4]. He was rescued along with six other people who were in the lift at the time [4].

Following the rescue, Tharoor appeared in good spirits and smiled for cameras as he exited the elevator [3]. No injuries were reported in the immediate aftermath of the malfunction.

“Shashi Tharoor was rescued along with six other people”

This incident underscores the reliance on specialized equipment like hydraulic spreaders for rapid extraction in urban settings. While the entrapment was brief, the involvement of a public official and several citizens brings attention to the maintenance and safety standards of commercial elevators in high-traffic hospitality hubs.