Man Dies After Getting Trapped in Lift at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital, Sparks Safety Concerns

A tragic incident at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday morning has raised serious questions about safety and infrastructure in state-run healthcare facilities after a man died allegedly after being trapped inside a malfunctioning lift.

The deceased, identified as a 40-year-old resident of Dum Dum, had gone to the hospital with his wife and young son for medical treatment. According to reports, the family entered an elevator in the trauma care unit early in the morning when the lift suddenly malfunctioned and got stuck.

Family members alleged that there was no lift operator present at the time of the incident, and help did not arrive promptly despite repeated calls. The man was later found in a critical condition, bleeding from the nose, and was rushed to the emergency unit where he was declared dead.

Hospital sources said the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, with a post-mortem examination expected to determine whether the death was due to suffocation, a medical condition, or injuries sustained during the incident.

The incident reportedly occurred when the victim was either taking his son for treatment or moving within the hospital premises after medical procedures, adding to the distress of the situation.

The death triggered tension at the hospital premises, with family members and others alleging gross negligence and lack of basic safety measures. Questions have also been raised about maintenance of equipment and the absence of operational staff in critical areas like elevators.

Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident, while officials said further action would depend on the findings of the investigation and the post-mortem report.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over infrastructure lapses and emergency response systems in public hospitals, particularly in high-footfall facilities like RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.​