Rescue after six people trapped in lift in Rotorua

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The Rotorua Fire Brigade rescued six people who were trapped in a lift in the carpark building on the corner of Hinemoa and Amohia Sts.

Senior station officer Colin Rolfe said they were called down about 12.45am today and they helped assist get them out.

He said it took a while, but he wasn't sure how long they had been trapped.

The lift has now been fixed, but might be replaced.

Rotorua Lakes Council chief operating officer Dave Foster said the council's contractors had since inspected the elevator at the carpark building and found that a parts' failure caused the elevator to stop working.

"We understand that the group of people got into the lift some time between 11pm and 11.30pm Saturday.

"Rotorua Lakes Council officers were made aware of the situation about 12.15am and with the help of the Fire Service everyone was out 45 minutes later."

He said the faulty part was replaced and the elevator was in use again.

"As a result of this incident, however, the council will place better signage inside the elevator to help users and council officers and contractors will meet to discuss the possibility of replacing the lift."