A family had to be winched 200ft up an elevator shafter after being trapped for 26 hours when they were left stranded 21 stories underground at the Grand Canyon Caverns’ tourist attraction.
The party of eight had booked a 45-minute tour of the historic site, but five of them were trapped overnight after the elevator reportedly malfunctioned Sunday evening, in Peach Springs, Arizona.
Coconino Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the visitors were not confined to an elevator car, and were allowed to enjoy the $1,000-a-night suites and other facilities.
A search and rescue team were able to hoist three of the group who needed help up without using a basket apparatus after trying to fix the elevator.
All of the five tourists were made their way up to the surface around 8pm, with three other family members being rescued earlier.
Sherry Jimenez was one of those hoisted up the shaft, and told ABC: I’ can’t say thank you enough because they did everything so professionally, so safe’.
Each rescue is estimated to have taken around 25 minutes to complete, with relatives of those who were stuck saying some were unable to walk up the stairs.
Sherry’s daughter-in-law, Felicia, was stuck at the bottom of the shaft with her two young daughters, while her husband Michael took the opportunity to use the narrow fire escape stairs to drum up more help.
Sherry Jimenez, right, was one of those hoisted up the shaft after being trapped in the historic caves for over 26 hours
Coconino Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the visitors were not confined to an elevator car, and have since been rescued after 26 hours
Five people have been rescued 26 hours after they were left stranded 21 stories underground at the Grand Canyon Caverns’ tourist attraction
It is not clear exactly how long it will take to repair the elevator, with a lift used by the fire department rescue crews being considered
She managed to make her way up the narrow and rickety fire escape with her five-month-old and two-year-old daughter by holding onto the railing after about 10 hours underground.
Felicia was also assisted by the Peach Springs Fire Department with her two children, but two of the three others who were trapped had to be winched up because they were in their 70s.
Spokesman for Coconino County Jon Paxton said that the guests are unable to get escape the caverns because the stairway system is similar to an old external fire escape and there are concerns about safety.
One of the members would have been able to make the trip, but chose to stay with their elderly relatives.
Before going on the tour they made sure that it was handicap accessible, with one relative saying she was ‘super frustrated’.
Felicia said: ‘It’s 2022, almost 2023, and I think handicap accessible should definitely be advanced by now. You have nothing for somebody in a wheelchair to get out.’
Before going on the tour they made sure that it was handicap accessible, with Felicia, right, saying she was ‘super frustrated’
Each suite lists for $1,000 a night for two and attempts to fix the elevator on Monday by hooking it up to an external generator were unsuccessful
The caverns have a six-person hotel suite and food service, with the guests being put up for the night by the hotel
Workers have been able to use the fire escape stairs, but elderly guests had to wait to be hoisted up by emergency services as they were unable to go up the stairs
The Grand Canyon Caverns are a popular tourist attraction that allows people to dine 21 stories underground inside of a cave.
According to the family, they did get food, but that their first meal was after waiting several hours and are considering legal action.
No injuries were reported while they were in the caverns, which have a six-person hotel suite and food service, with the guests being put up for the night by the hotel.
The natural limestone caverns, said to be the largest dry caverns in the U.S., occupy a desert region southwest of Grand Canyon National Park about 110 miles from the California border.
The caverns are said to have been created by natural forces 65 million years ago. Facilities at the site, part of historic Route 66, are privately operated.