By KHT Staff. AI illustration image.
KAOHSIUNG — Six passengers had to climb out of a stalled elevator by ladder after being trapped for nearly 90 minutes at Kaohsiung Main Station (高雄車站) on Tuesday night.
The elevator stopped while traveling between two basement levels and could not be moved after a safety mechanism locked it in place, according to Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corp. (高雄捷運公司).
Station staff were able to open the doors enough to allow air into the elevator and pass water to the passengers, but could not immediately release them.
At about 10 p.m., a maintenance contractor entered through an access opening and positioned a ladder between the elevator and the nearest floor. All six passengers then climbed out safely.
No injuries were reported.
The company apologized for the lengthy wait and said the elevator would remain closed until technicians determine what caused the malfunction.
The incident occurred a little more than a year after another lengthy elevator rescue on the Kaohsiung Metro and Light Rail network.
In June 2025, an 82-year-old man was trapped for nearly an hour in an elevator at Love Pier Light Rail Station (真愛碼頭站). He said the emergency button received no response and eventually contacted other people, who called for help.
Following that incident, Kaohsiung Metro said it would strengthen elevator inspections and review its emergency-reporting procedures to reduce the time passengers could remain trapped.
The company has not said whether Tuesday’s malfunction was related to the elevator’s maintenance history or when it was last inspected.
