ELEVEN students have been traumatised after the lift they stepped into plunged downwards before stopping and trapping them for just under an hour.

An 18-year-old student has recounted her nightmare scenario after she and other undergraduates became trapped in an elevator on the 11th floor of a student tower block.

The Performers College student, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted how a short ride down turned into a night of terror.

“We entered the lift at 12.34 am on the Sunday (29 October) on the 11th floor.

“As we entered the lift somebody tripped and fell, we started descending but abruptly stopped between levels 10 and 11.

As the students realised they were stuck, they tried the emergency alarm bell with no response and no phone reception to dial 999.

“After waiting 20 minutes and constantly pressing the emergency button we soon realised no one could hear us and no one was coming to help. We then tried to pry the doors open and set off two of the girls rape alarms and managed to throw it out through the gap we made.”

Dramatic footage from inside the lift in the Onyx student accommodation in central Birmingham shows girls slumped on the floor whilst being reassured by others who were wearing Halloween fancy dress for a night out. One couple were seen consoling each other as the lift became stuffy with no fresh air and sweat dripping down the walls.

As time went on, residents from the 11th floor heard the rape alarms and shouting, they rushed to get help from security as others helped to pry the doors open to let air inside however this was too late for some as two girls passed out.

A security officer passed a key over to the students to open a fire escape hatch however it did not fit, causing more distress.

Another girl then dropped to the floor, also passing out.

As water was passed into the lift, emergency services were called to the scene.

A Spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Shortly after 12.55am on Sunday 29 October, we responded to Lancaster Street, Birmingham.

“A fire engine from Ladywood attended the scene, crewed by four firefighters.

“This incident involved 11 people stuck in a lift inside a block of student accommodation.

“The lift was isolated by firefighters and everyone was released.”

The teenage student continued: “We then lifted each other out one by one sending the three girls that passed out first and then we followed. Everyone that needed to be treated was seen by paramedics and was eventually discharged out of their care.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.

A spokesman for the trust said: “On arrival we discovered three female patients, who were all assessed and discharged at the scene.”

Several emergency services vehicles were spotted outside the building as the incident was unfolding inside.

After being freed by firefighters, the student reflected on how it was handled by onsite management:

“I am utterly disappointed that it took so long for someone to attend the emergency bell and after the incident security informed us the CCTV was not working and they couldn’t see what was happening.

“I am also truly disappointed in the health and safety that Onyx didn’t provide and not having evacuation protocol in place for the safety of their tenants.”

A spokesperson for Prestige Student Living, said: “In the early hours of Sunday 29th October, a number of student residents were unable to exit the lift at The Onyx building and raised the alarm with the overnight security team.

“The security team called the lift maintenance provider immediately and they were released within 30 minutes.

“Since the incident, our property team has carried out welfare visits with those involved and we’re pleased to confirm they are well.”

ENDS