What do you think when you get into an elevator and see two big signs that say: “Maximun 8 persons”.

I guess that the obvious answer is: "Geee I am way more prepared to asses the capacity of this elevator than the guys who actually built it, so I guess if we climb 12 people in it we are going to be ok"

So, after your display of engineering knowledge, you get into the elevator with 11 other person, 5 of which are overweight (around 130 kg).

Much to your surprise, the elevator gets stuck 1.5 meters from the floor and the doors won’t open.

The Hotel personnel is taking care of the situation, there is a security guard asking you and your fellow passengers to remain calm, but, (there is always a but!) it is taking too long, already 5 long minutes have gone by since you got stuck in close quarters with 5 elephants and other people.

Since you already proven your high IQ by getting on the elevator with these guys... why don’t you propose a solution?

"ok everybody! Lets all jump up and down so we can get this elevator unstuck!"

And you have proven some leadership, immediately all 12 passengers including yourself start jumping up and down laughing your asses off.

And what would you know! Having more than a ton bouncing inside an elevator is not good for the emergency brakes and the elevator collapses injuring 10 people with backlash on knees and necks. The elevator only dropped 1.5 meters but dropped on shock absorbers that made the whole box bounce, hence the backlash.

Well, since the day before yesterday I’ve been dealing with authorities, fire department, insurance companies et al, because that is what 11 hosts and one SECURITY GUARD of the Hotel I work for did.

They did not died, but the suffering an astounding lapse of judgment of all the passengers and of the security guard are deserving to be nominated for a Darwin Award for Excellence.

We did pretty good damage control, but if proof is needed I guess I can scan injuries reports from the incident.

Guadalajara, Mexico. 5 September 2007

Submitted on 09/05/2007

Submitted by: Luis Casarin
Reference: Eye witness 3/9/2007

Copyright © 2007 DarwinAwards.com

Chip said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Luis, this is a good story! If we could get some references to support the story perhaps it could be upgraded to an Honorable Mention but I definitely vote for a PA on this one.

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
If they had gotten onto the elevator at the top floor instead of the ground floor this could have easily resulted in a 12-person Darwin! As Chip said, if there are any supporting references we'll be glad to consider upgrading this to an Honorable Mention. Thanks, Luis!