MANILA, Philippines — At least 14 persons, including 11 foreigners, were injured after an elevator of a high-rise building along Ayala Avenue in Barangay Bel-Air, Makati collapsed before dawn yesterday.
According to initial police reports, around 28 passengers boarded the elevator on the 52nd floor of the PBCom Tower. The lift had reached the building’s 47th floor when it started to plummet to the ground in an abnormal speed at around 1 a.m.
The victims, including Chinese and Malaysians, were taken to the nearest hospitals for treatment of minor injuries, according to city police chief Senior Superintendent Rogelio Simon.
They were Chem Xin Guang, Tiou Chineng, Ace Sierda, Narciso Sermonia, Perry Benig, Randy Serda, Rowel Cristobal, Daltray Reyes, Hermino Samson, Patrick Jayson Lacsaman, Rolando Villarina, John Carl Eraña, Joseph Libre and Aristotle de Vera.
Probers said the elevator collapsed due to overloading.
Police also suspected that one of the elevator’s cables snapped, leading to the fall.
Contrary to the police report, the PBCom said in a statement that 21 persons were hurt and brought to different hospitals for treatment.
The management of PBCom said the elevator carried 32 persons, which is more than its maximum capacity.
Mayor Abby Binay ordered the Office of the Building Officials to inspect elevators of all buildings in the city to ensure their compliance with the National Building Code of the Philippines.
“Building owners and administrators should ensure that elevators in their establishments are well-maintained,” Binay said.