By Firstdespatch Desk May 30, 2026
Agartala, May 30 (FD) Serious concerns over safety and maintenance standards at ILS Hospital in Agartala surfaced on Saturday after several people, including an Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) councillor, were trapped inside a malfunctioning lift for nearly 30 minutes.
According to those present, between five and seven persons, including AMC councillor Prasenjit Lodh, were stranded inside the elevator when it suddenly stopped functioning. The occupants allegedly remained trapped for about half an hour, leading to panic and distress among those inside.
Speaking to reporters after the incident, Lodh said the situation became increasingly alarming as the trapped individuals began experiencing breathing difficulties. According to eyewitness accounts, the occupants eventually managed to break a portion of the lift's glass panel to allow fresh air inside and prevent suffocation.
"We were extremely panicked. As the lift remained stuck, the air inside became increasingly difficult to breathe. We somehow managed to break a portion of the glass, which helped us get some ventilation. Had there been critically ill patients, elderly persons or children inside, the consequences could have been far more serious," Lodh said.
Those trapped in the elevator alleged that no immediate rescue effort was initiated by hospital authorities despite their repeated attempts to seek assistance. The incident has triggered criticism of the hospital's emergency preparedness and maintenance practices.
Several occupants described the episode as a glaring example of negligence and called upon the state government and relevant regulatory authorities to closely monitor the functioning of private healthcare institutions.
"Patients and their families pay substantial amounts for treatment and expect basic safety standards to be maintained. Such incidents should not occur in a reputed healthcare facility," one of the affected individuals said.
The incident assumes significance as ILS Hospital is among the leading private healthcare institutions in Tripura, catering to a large number of patients from across the state and neighbouring regions. Healthcare experts point out that elevators in hospitals are critical infrastructure, often used for transporting patients, medical equipment and emergency cases. Any malfunction can potentially pose serious risks to patient safety.
The incident has prompted demands for a thorough inspection of the hospital's lift maintenance system and emergency response mechanism. As of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by the hospital management regarding the incident. FD JK