Photo from AP
The World’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa in Dubai at 2,717 feet (828 meters) opened on January 4th, 2010 to a major fireworks display. The tower boasts the fastest public lifts in the world, climbing to the top in about a minute or 25 mph. This tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the world as well as being the world’s highest building boasting at least 160 floors. The tower was designed by the same company that engineered Chicago’s Willis Tour (formerly the Sears Tower), Skidmore, Owings & Merrill from Chicago. The observation deck for Burj Khalifa sits at the 124th floor about 2/3rds of the way up the tower and is mostly enclosed with an observation terrace that is bordered by guardrails. It is the only part of the tower that had been opened and it closed down as of Saturday.
15 people were trapped in the elevator between floors on the way down from the observation deck on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 for about 45 minutes. The exact reason is unclear and undivulged. According to witnesses there was a large bang, the sound of breaking glass and smoke right before the malfunction that caused the elevator to stop (Times Online). About 60 tourists were stranded on the deck as well before being evacuated via a service lift. Rescue workers were able to drop a ladder down and pry open the elevator doors to rescue those stranded passengers as well.
Reports as to what the problem was or is are unclear stating high-traffic, electrical problems and maintainance issues. The lifts and observation deck are closed indefinitely.
