Fall from elevator injures student athlete

Hammond

A Vanderbilt University freshman was injured Monday, Aug. 28, when he fell approximately 100 feet from an overloaded elevator in a residence hall.

Luke Hammond, 19, of Montgomery, Ala., was in critical condition early Tuesday after the accident that occurred about 11:15 p.m. in Carmichael Towers West.

Steve Caldwell, dean of residential and judicial affairs, said Hammond was one of 13 people on the elevator when it stopped between the ninth and 10th floors. Occupants of the elevator forced the door open and Hammond was attempting to lower himself to the floor below when he fell down the shaft. The maximum capacity of the elevator is 10.

Metro Fire Department responded to the scene and retrieved Hammond from the bottom of the elevator shaft. He was conscious and speaking when he was transported to the Vanderbilt Hospital emergency room, Caldwell said.

"The first responders are to be praised for how quickly and professionally they handled the situation," said Caldwell.

The others on the elevator, all Vanderbilt students, were safely removed from the elevator. They had been in communication with Vanderbilt Police and Security through an emergency phone on the elevator after the accident.

The elevator was shut down pending the completion of a thorough inspection. The University is investigating the accident.

Elevator Safety Tips

* Wait for the next car if the elevator is at maximum capacity.
* If the elevator becomes stuck, use the emergency telephone to request help and wait for help to arrive.
* Do not attempt to open the elevator doors or exit the elevator if it is not level with the floor.
* In the event of a fire, use the stairs.