TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — All public elevators in New Taipei City will be inspected within two months, Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said on Monday (Oct. 28), after a public elevator fell the previous day temporarily trapping two people.
Hou was questioned about the incident at the New Taipei City Council by Democratic Progressive Party Councillor Tai Wei-shan (戴瑋姍). Tai asked if responsible manufacturers would be blacklisted by the city, per CNA.
In response, Hou said that in addition to the inspections, a third party would investigate who was responsible for the elevator malfunction. He said that the New Taipei City Council would also investigate, and in the interim, will provide compensation for those injured in elevator accidents.
Tai asked Hou about reports that the elevator, which fell on Sunday (Oct. 27), was last inspected only 10 days earlier. “We will carry out a thorough review,” Hou responded.
Hou also said that all city personnel responsible for elevators have been told they must understand the maintenance requirements for entire elevator systems. He said staff will be required to report on this within one month and provide the safety inspections within two.