India, May 28 -- A group of 16 people, including women and senior citizens, escaped a probable mishap after they got trapped for over 30 minutes in a malfunctioning lift in a private Hospital in Sector 1, Bisrakh, Greater Noida West late Monday night.

They were finally rescued after considerable effort by hospital staff and security, hospital officials said.

The incident occurred due to a reported technical failure, police said.

The lift at Yatharth Hospital abruptly stopped on the 4th floor while going upward. Despite repeated attempts to contact hospital management and security personnel, locals alleged no immediate help was received, said the rescued people.

"It was suffocating inside. There were elderly people and patients with us...