Three people stranded in Carlsbad Caverns elevator

Three Carlsbad Caverns National Park visitors were stranded at 740 feet below the ground when an elevator malfunctioned.

The visitors were able to communicate with National Park Service rangers through the elevator’s phone system and update them of their status. A rescue team conducted a search and located the stranded visitors.

Three paramedics used a hoist to lower themselves to the stranded car. After reaching the visitors, the visitors were harnessed and were transferred through the escape roof. All three visitors were safely taken to the park’s visitor center.

The stranded visitors included a 17-year-old male and a 46-year-old female from Michigan. A 66-year-old female from New Mexico was also in the elevator.

An inspection conducted by the park indicated that the elevator malfunctioned due to a worn travel cable. According to park officials, plans to repair the cable are currently being developed.

Elevator service into and out of the cavern will be unavailable until the cable is repaired. Visitors will still be able to hike through the cavern.