Lift malfunctions, crashes into top floor of Idukki shop; owner killed

Kattappana, Idukki: In a tragic incident, a jewellery shop owner lost his life after getting trapped inside a malfunctioning lift in his own establishment in Kattappana town in Idukki.

Sunny Francis (65), also known as Pavithra Sunny, was the managing partner of Pavithra Gold in Kattappana town.

According to initial reports, the lift he was using suddenly malfunctioned and moved uncontrollably to the upper floor, where it crashed, causing fatal injuries.

The incident happened around 2 PM on Wednesday. Sunny reportedly got into the lift just before a power failure. When power was restored, the lift shot upwards uncontrollably and crashed into the fifth floor. Sunny sustained severe head injuries and trauma to various parts of his body. He remained trapped inside the lift for nearly two hours.

Though staff members immediately attempted to rescue him, they were unsuccessful. It was only after the fire and rescue team arrived that the lift was forcibly opened. By then, Sunny was unconscious, with blood pooled inside the lift.

He is survived by wife Shiji and children Sanal, Sneha, Sandra, and Sanu.

The funeral will be held on Friday at 3 PM at St. George Forane Church cemetery. Kattappana Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.