Yun-Hao Zhang

Postdoctoral Researcher @ Leiden University; PhD in Cosmology @ the University of Edinburgh

[Yun-Hao Zhang @CosmoCloudZhang]

Today, 8 August 2026, I was trapped inside an elevator at @Holland2Stay’s Einsteindreef building in Utrecht from approximately 5:30 PM until 7:10 PM—around 100 minutes. This was a serious and frightening safety incident.

I immediately used the emergency telephone and was told that a technician from Elite Liften en Roltrappen would have to travel from The Hague. It was close to 30°C outside, and the elevator felt even hotter, with no noticeable ventilation or airflow.

As the delay continued, I experienced panic, difficulty breathing, dizziness and symptoms of low blood sugar. I called 112 because I was genuinely concerned about my health and what might happen if I remained trapped any longer.

Neither the elevator company nor the 112 operator asked meaningful questions about my medical condition or properly assessed whether I was in immediate danger. As an immigrant and non-native Dutch speaker, the communication difficulties made me feel extremely unsafe.

During my 112 call, I was told that responders had contacted Elite but could not open the elevator because the company had not given authorization. I cannot independently verify this, so I am asking @Holland2Stay and Elite to investigate and explain exactly what happened.

No on-site staff member was available to assist or coordinate the response. I have also heard this may not be the first such incident. A 100-minute delay could be extremely dangerous for someone who is pregnant or has heart disease, diabetes or breathing problems.

I have filed a formal complaint requesting a complete timeline, an explanation for the delay and reported authorization issue, information about previous incidents, preventive measures and appropriate compensation.

@Holland2Stay and Elite Liften en Roltrappen: please take responsibility, investigate this incident seriously and explain how you will prevent it from happening again.

Elite: https://t.co/W8HhrtRS1k
#ElevatorSafety #TenantSafety #Utrecht

[Yun-Hao Zhang @CosmoCloudZhang]

@AstroRoyalScot 🎉🎉🎉 good news! Sorry for no kittens 🐈 but will try to make a paper before you back as gift 🎁!