Woman Killed In Elevator Accident At Hell's Kitchen Supermarket

HELL'S KITCHEN, NY — A 39-year-old employee was killed when she was crushed by a freight elevator Tuesday at a Hell's Kitchen supermarket, authorities said.

Police responded around 3:53 p.m. Tuesday after receiving reports of the accident at the Food Emporium at 452 West 43rd St.

Officers found the victim unconscious inside an elevator shaft, with severe trauma to the body. Police identified the victim as Maria Sanchez, a Bronx resident.

According to a Department of Buildings investigation, Sanchez had been loading a small freight elevator, or dumbwaiter, at the cellar level when the elevator moved upwards toward the first floor, causing her head trauma.

Inspectors have determined that the elevator was unregistered and illegal, and lacked a certificate from the city that would have ensured its safety, a DOB spokesperson said.

The DOB has issued a cease use order for the elevator, as well as a violation to the building owner.

“This tragic incident shows just how dangerous unregistered illegally installed elevator devices can be for New Yorkers," spokesperson Andrew Rudansky said. "We have shut down the dumbwaiter, and will be thoroughly investigating this incident."