Watch: Shashi Tharoor rescued after Kerala hotel lift gets stuck

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was briefly trapped in a lift at a private hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday before being rescued along with others after the elevator got stuck. Visuals showed a smiling Tharoor walking out of the lift after authorities managed to open its doors. Tharoor was in the hotel to attend the installation ceremony of the Rotary Club of Trivandrum East. According to reports, the incident occurred shortly after he arrived at the hotel. A fire officer confirmed that they received a call just after 7:30pm about Tharoor being trapped in the lift. A team was quickly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the firefighters used a hydraulic spreader to pry open the lift doors and successfully rescued Tharoor and the other individuals trapped inside by approximately 7:51pm. Tharoor spoke to reporters following his release, expressing relief and gratitude. “The lift got stuck. We tried every possible way to get out, but nothing worked. We called the Fire and Rescue Services, and they rescued us… Don’t worry, we are all okay,” he said. His comments reflected both the unexpected nature of the situation and the effectiveness of the emergency services' response. The hotel, located in Thiruvananthapuram, has not been identified by name in the available reports. However, the location is consistent with the city's central business district, which hosts numerous political and social gatherings. The installation ceremony of the Rotary Club of Trivandrum East was one such event, drawing local leaders and community members. Tharoor’s presence at the event underscored the significance of the occasion and his continued engagement with civic and charitable organizations. Fire officials emphasized the promptness of their response. They noted that the team acted swiftly upon receiving the distress call, ensuring that all individuals were safely evacuated without injury. The use of specialized equipment, including the hydraulic spreader, demonstrated the preparedness of the rescue teams. This method is commonly employed in such situations to ensure safety while minimizing further risk. Following the incident, Tharoor expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services personnel. His public acknowledgment highlighted the importance of well-trained emergency responders in handling unexpected crises. It also reinforced the role of community leaders in maintaining positive relationships with local authorities and service providers. As of now, there are no indications of long-term consequences from the incident. All parties involved have been cleared of injuries, and the hotel continues to operate normally. Further details regarding the cause of the lift malfunction remain under investigation. Authorities have stated that they will review the circumstances surrounding the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.