An East Java man reportedly weighing at least 275 kilograms broke his legs when an elevator in his two-story home collapsed with him in it.
The incident took place at his home in Kedungkandang district, Malang, after which a dozen rescuers were deployed to evacuate him from the location.
The man, identified as 38-year-old Dwi Ariesta Wardhana, or Aris, lives with his 59-year-old mother Ninik Endah Widayani at the house, where they installed a home elevator when they moved in two years ago.
The severely obese Aris reportedly would spend most of his time on the second floor, and would require the elevator as he is unable to take the stairs. Ninik, meanwhile, also requires the elevator as she is in a wheelchair due to a leg fracture.
On Saturday morning, Aris hopped on the elevator to go downstairs after Ninik asked him for help with the pain in her leg. During the descent, the elevator’s cable snapped and the carriage fell some four meters down with Aris inside. Their neighbors, who heard the sound of the elevator crashing down, came to their aid.
Edi Susianto, Malang city’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesman, said that Aris had to be evacuated by 12 people, comprising firefighters, officers from the Indonesian Red Cross, and volunteers. In the 3-hour operation, the rescuers lifted Aris using sturdy plywood boards, bamboo, and ropes before transporting him to the hospital using a pickup truck, as they couldn’t fit him inside a regular ambulance.
Aris is undergoing medical treatment for his broken legs at the hospital, where he has been placed on two beds as one would not suffice.
According to Ninik, the elevator — which is around 1.85 meters tall and 1 meter wide — cost around IDR50 million (US$3,438) and they have a go-to mechanic for repairs. The doorless elevator operates with buttons and automatic locks for safety, and it only has a short fence that serves as a door.
Prior to the incident, Ninik said the elevator was functioning well, though she noted that the time had come for the cable to be replaced.
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