Man Trapped Inside Bank Vault in Manhattan for Over Nine Hours Finally Rescued
NEW YORK — A man has finally been rescued after spending more than nine hours trapped inside a bank vault overnight in Midtown, Manhattan. The incident occurred at the World Diamond Tower on 580 Fifth Ave.
The customer was accessing his safety deposit box in the basement of the building when the vault doors closed, leaving him trapped at around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday. The vault, owned by DGA Security and utilized by several Diamond District businesses, is equipped with an automatic timer that opens the doors after a certain amount of time.
After failed attempts to cut through the vault’s concrete wall, firefighters decided to wait for the automatic opening in the morning. Chief of Department John Hodgens stated, “The problem with the plating is we’d have to use our torches on there, which would infect the environment of the person inside the vault.”
During the entire ordeal, the trapped individual was in contact with rescue crews through a phone and cameras inside the vault. They ensured his well-being and confirmed he had sustained no injuries. After being treated by EMS on the scene, he was released.
The incident drew the attention of local news outlets, with Chopper 2 flying over the scene to capture footage. The incident also prompted an update from the FDNY on their rescue efforts.
Bank vaults are known for their stringent security measures, designed to keep valuables safe. However, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the potential dangers and the importance of proper protocols in place.
As the man recovers from his harrowing experience, authorities will likely conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident and prevent similar situations in the future.