75-year-old Mathukutty died after his head became trapped in a home elevator at his residence in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district
July 8, 2026: A 75-year-old man died in a tragic home elevator accident at his residence in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district on Wednesday. The deceased, identified as Mathukutty, lived in Kallelimukku, Kadammanitta. According to police, his house was located on elevated ground, and a basic elevator had been installed to help him access the home as he faced difficulty climbing stairs. Unlike modern lifts, the structure consisted of steel beams without an enclosed cabin or automatic doors.
Police said Mathukutty returned home in the afternoon after going out earlier in the day. After parking his car, he entered the elevator, where his head became trapped between the iron beams of the lift. Hearing the noise, his wife rushed to the spot but was unable to rescue him. Fire and Rescue Services personnel later cut through the metal structure to free him before he was taken to a nearby hospital.
Despite rescue efforts, Mathukutty succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The Aranmula police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Officials are examining documents related to the installation of the elevator to determine whether any safety lapses contributed to the fatal accident. The body will be handed over to the family after the post-mortem examination.