Chicago

6 Tourists Rescued After Hours Trapped Inside Elevator at Former Hancock Building

The group, which included a pregnant woman, was leaving the popular Signature Room when two cables snapped on the elevator

Six tourists visiting Chicago were trapped in an elevator for more than two hours Friday inside the building formerly known as the John Hancock Center. 

The group, which included a pregnant woman, was leaving the popular Signature Room around 12:30 a.m. when two cables snapped, causing the elevator to stop near the 11th floor, according to the Chicago Fire Department. 

Friends on a different elevator made it down and called for help, authorities said. 

Fire officials said they had an issue rescuing the group because the elevator was in a "blind shaft," meaning it doesn't stop on every floor. 

Rescuers were forced to cut through a wall to pull people out. 

"We breached the brick wall on the 11th floor and were able to remove them," said Patrick Maloney with the Chicago Fire Department Special Ops team. 

Management for the building at 875 N. Michigan Ave. did not immediately responded to requests for comment. 

Contact Us