Bumbling mechanics overrode the elevator’s safety system and stepped out of the lift just two minutes before it crushed young Y&R ad executive Suzanne Hart to death, a city investigation revealed today.
And afterwards, the Transel mechanic the investigation found responsible, Michael Hill, tried to cover his tracks by telling investigators that he restored the safety system before Hart boarded the lift – an assertion that turned out to be a lie, the city found.
As a result, workers at the elevator maintenance company “failed to follow the most basic safety procedures” when they repaired a midtown lift, officials said today.
The elevator accelerated upwards from the lobby with its doors open, dragging Suzanne Hart, 41, a Young and Rubicam executive, to her death as she stepped inside.
The timing was heartbreaking.
Video security footage from the lobby showed that seconds before Hart tried to walk into the cab, two passengers pressed call buttons prompting the elevator to start moving to higher floors with the door wide open.
Officials said the workers also failed to post signs warning of a repair was in progress and didn’t notify the Buildings Department to request an inspection before putting the elevator back in service.
“These workers and their supervisors failed to follow the most basic safety procedures and their carelessness cost a woman her life,” said Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri.
“The investigation starkly showed safety protocols were ignored,” said Investigation Commission Rose Gill Hearn.
The license of Transel’s owner, John Fichera, was suspended pending a hearing where it could be permanently revoked.
The company also faces 23 violations which carry a minimum penalty of $117,000.