A technician fell to his death Wednesday apparently trying to repair an elevator in Toronto’s TD Bank Tower, where eight people were trapped for more than five hours in a stifling tunnel some 40 storeys high.
Officials said that at about 2 p.m., rescue crews were able to move the elevator up to the 44th floor and pried open the doors to free them. They appeared in good condition, police said.
Investigators believe the people became stuck in the express elevator at about 8:30 a.m.
When emergency officials arrived, they found the technician without vital signs.
Wednesday morning, black curtains covered the space in front of the elevators in the underground concourse, as emergency officials and investigators worked.
A group of employees from the Otis Elevator company stood outside the tower, looking visibly shaken.
"This is a terrible tragedy, and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family," the company said in a written statement.
"Until the investigation is completed, we cannot speculate as to what caused this accident."
Division commander Lorne Buckingham said that mechanical difficulties delayed the rescue. A cable appeared to be damaged, he said.
"For security, you have to take your time."
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