Rescue operation frees 17 people trapped in elevator at Cairns hotel

Fire crews worked to free the 17 people who had become trapped inside the hotel elevator, with paramedics assessing patients at the scene.

Firefighters were forced to rescue 17 people who became trapped in the elevator of a Cairns hotel.

Just after 9.40pm on Tuesday, emergency services were made aware of the unfolding situation on The Esplanade, a waterfront area of the city popular with tourists.

One fire crew arrived at the scene just before 10pm and worked to free those trapped inside who were released by 10.15pm.

Paramedics assessed 17 people who were all uninjured.

Originally published as Rescue operation frees 17 people trapped in elevator at Cairns hotel