A pensioner riding a motorised trike crashed into a lift and plunged down the shaft in China.

Footage shows the elderly man speeding towards the elevator doors before smashing into them.

The entrances, which appear to have been improperly installed, give way instantly, sending both the man and his vehicle tumbling into the empty shaft.

Bystanders quickly gathered around the lift entrance in Jiangsu on June 19.

The 62-year-old man, whose name was not disclosed in local reports, was later rescued by firefighters who rappelled down the lift well to reach him.

He reportedly suffered fractures and was rushed to hospital. His current condition has not been disclosed.

Authorities are investigating the incident.