Toddler in critical condition after falling into open elevator shaft

An eight-month-old toddler is in critical condition after falling into an open elevator shaft with her 57-year-old grandmother from the sixth floor of a residence in Malé today.

Both victims are undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit of the ADK private hospital. The woman is reportedly recovering from injuries, but the condition of the child is serious as she had suffered a broken foot and skull fractures.

A man speaking on behalf of the owner of Fennaage in the Henveiru ward of the capital told The Maldives Independent that the elevator shaft opening was secured with a three-feet wall before it was removed to build the elevator door.

“It was removed last Thursday and residents are aware that construction is ongoing,” he said.

However, residents said it has been more than a week since the owners removed the concrete wall.

The police are investigating the incident, which was reported around 12:30pm this afternoon.

Recent accidents in Malé have prompted concern over the enforcement of building code regulations and safety measures in the congested capital.

A week ago, an 11-year-old was killed after falling from the balcony on the fifth floor of a house in Malé.

Two days before that, an Indian construction worker fell to his death from the ninth floor of a building under construction.