Tokyo, Japan – A malfunction at the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world’s tallest structures, left approximately 15 to 30 people stranded in an elevator on Friday evening, February 22, 2026. The incident, which occurred around 8:25 PM local time (7:25 PM Taiwan time), prompted a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple fire and police units. While initial reports indicated a “rapid descent,” authorities have confirmed that the elevator came to a stop approximately 30 meters above ground level.
The Tokyo Fire Department received the initial distress call and immediately dispatched personnel to the scene. According to the latest reports, the elevator was temporarily halted, trapping passengers within. As of 10:30 PM local time, emergency responders had established communication with those inside the stalled cabin, confirming 22 individuals were on board – 15 men and 7 women, including two elementary school students. Crucially, as of the latest updates, no injuries have been reported.
Elevator Incident Disrupts Skytree Operations
The incident caused significant disruption at the popular tourist attraction, with around 600 visitors reportedly stranded on the observation decks and other floors. Authorities worked to evacuate those individuals using functioning elevators, a process that continued throughout the evening. The cause of the elevator malfunction remains under investigation by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and relevant authorities.
Initial reports from Japanese media outlets, including Yahoo News Japan and the Sankei Shimbun, described the elevator as experiencing a “rapid descent.” However, subsequent statements from the Tokyo Fire Department clarified that the elevator experienced an emergency stop rather than a freefall. The discrepancy highlights the initial confusion surrounding the incident as emergency services responded to the scene.
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
Multiple ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles were observed converging on the Tokyo Skytree following the incident. Rescue personnel quickly entered the tower to assess the situation and begin coordinating the evacuation of stranded individuals. The elevator itself was secured, and technicians are currently examining the mechanical systems to determine the root cause of the malfunction.
The Tokyo Skytree, which opened in 2012, is a major landmark and tourist destination in Japan. The structure stands at 634 meters (2,080 feet) tall and offers panoramic views of the Tokyo metropolitan area. Elevator safety is paramount in such high-rise buildings, and this incident is likely to prompt a thorough review of maintenance procedures and safety protocols at the Skytree and similar structures across Japan.
Authorities have not yet released a timeline for when the Tokyo Skytree will fully reopen to the public. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of all individuals involved and conducting a comprehensive investigation to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The incident underscores the complexities of maintaining and operating large-scale infrastructure projects and the importance of robust safety measures.
As of late Friday night, the investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The incident at the Tokyo Skytree serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with high-rise structures and the critical role of emergency response teams in ensuring public safety.
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