A 5 year old Brooklyn boy trying to escape a stuck elevator plunged 10 stories to his death this morning in a Brooklyn housing project, police said.
The boy and his 8 year old brother were heading to school when the tragedy occurred just before 9 a.m. in the building, where residents complained of constant problems with the elevators.
The elevator became stuck between the 10th and 11th floors just after the two boys climbed on board, police said. The older boy began pressing the elevator’s buttons, and the door opened.
The 5 year old managed to squeeze through a small opening and jump to the 10th floor landing - but he lost his balance and tumbled down the shaft, police said.
The boys’ parents were out shopping when the accident occurred in the Taylor Wythe Houses. Neighbors said the two boys were inseparable.
“He’s a very sweet little boy,” said Pessie Gelb, an 11th floor neighbor of the family. “We’re really going to miss him.”
Residents of the building at 70 Clymer St. said the elevators were often plagued with problems.
“All these elevators are past their useful life,” said Salomon Lieser, president of the tenants association.
“They were supposed to be overhauled a couple of years ago.”