Update UG and UMCG joint declaration regarding the lift accident

A lift fell down this morning in the University of Groningen building located at Antonius Deusinglaan 1 (also known as ADL1) on the UMCG grounds. The accident happened during works on the lift, after it had been stuck at the sixth floor. 14 people had been stuck in the lift for about an hour before it fell.

The people in the lift, who were all UG and UMCG staff and students, received immediate assistance. Some of them suffered minor injuries; one person was taken to the UMCG emergency room immediately. Those involved can contact the occupational physician and social workers for help.

All lifts in the lift block were closed for use until 3 p.m. After investigation, the lifts were activated again, with the exception of the lift that had fallen down.

The accident is a big shock, not only for the people in the lift but also for the students and staff in the building. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

The Board of the University and the UMCG Board of Directors want to express their gratitude to the in-house emergency services (BHV) and other care professionals who provided immediate assistance.

Additional information 18 January:

The elevator in question has descended from the sixth floor to the basement at an increased speed. The falling feeling was a very anxious experience for the 14 people in the elevator.

The condition of the lift passengers is reasonably ok. The employee who has been treated on her leg in the Emergency Room was almost immediately released and is doing reasonably well.

The (technical) investigation into the circumstances of the accident is carried out by an independent external research agency. As soon as the results are known, a new update will follow. The other elevators in the building were taken back into service on Thursday afternoon after a security check.