Mexico City — A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday night in the Coyoacán district of Mexico City, where a 70-year-old man lost his life after falling into an elevator shaft. The incident took place in a mixed-use office and apartment building located on Avenida Universidad, a well-trafficked area in the southern part of the capital.
According to initial reports from the Heroic Fire Department of Mexico City, the man fell to his death after opening the elevator door, not realizing that the elevator car was on a lower floor. The victim plummeted five stories, a fall that caused his immediate death.
Authorities have indicated that the elevator involved is estimated to be between 30 and 35 years old, the same age as the building itself. The elevator was descending at the time of the incident, which likely contributed to the tragic outcome.
Emergency personnel from the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) quickly arrived at the scene. A 25-year-old man who was using the elevator at the time of the incident was treated by paramedics for a severe nervous breakdown. He had been working in one of the offices on the fifth floor and was reportedly inside the elevator when the victim fell.
As of now, the identity of the deceased man remains unknown, and it is unclear whether he was an employee within the building or a visitor. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the accident and to establish any potential liabilities.
The Forensic Medical Service (Semefo) has also been involved, working to retrieve the victim’s body from the shaft. The building’s management, as well as the relevant municipal and federal authorities, will likely face scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
This incident underscores concerns about the safety of aging infrastructure in Mexico City, particularly in older buildings where maintenance of essential systems like elevators can sometimes be overlooked. As investigations continue, there may be broader implications for building safety regulations and oversight in the capital.
Residents and workers in the area have expressed their shock and sadness over the incident. The building on Avenida Universidad, which houses both offices and residential apartments, is a familiar sight in the Coyoacán district, an area known for its cultural and historical significance in Mexico City.
Further updates on the investigation and the identification of the victim are expected in the coming days.
