New York, NY — An elevator accident injured nearly two dozen men at a Chelsea store Wednesday morning, May 18, 2011. The accident occurred around 7 p.m., at the Bed, Bath and Beyond on 6th Avenue near 18th Street, reported CBS New York.
According to officials, the cables supporting a freight elevator snapped, causing the elevator to fall three floors to the ground.
Other reports indicated that the Buildings Department discovered that the freight elevator was being used as a passenger elevator at the store. The elevator’s brake was also defective, which caused it to malfunction.
Responding rescue crews rushed 22 workers to Bellevue and Beth Israel Hospitals for treatment of injuries. Nine of the victims complained of neck and back pain.
The Buildings Department is looking at the elevators to determine what caused it to malfunction.
Investigations are underway.
Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for New York personal injury attorneys.
