Tourists Trapped Nearly an Hour in Rio Las Vegas Elevator Incident
Elevator Incident at Rio Las Vegas
A group of 17 tourists visiting Las Vegas experienced a frightening ordeal when an elevator at the Rio hotel suddenly dropped and became stuck between floors, leaving them trapped for almost an hour.
Pregnant Woman Among Those Trapped
The incident occurred earlier this month and gained attention after passenger Melissa Elcio shared viral videos of the event. Initially, the elevator operated normally before unexpectedly dropping a few feet and halting just below the lobby level, preventing the doors from opening fully.
Passengers endured a lengthy wait in cramped conditions with limited ventilation. Elcio, a nurse, noted the discomfort increased over time due to poor airflow, forcing the group to partially open the door for fresh air. The situation was worsened by the presence of a pregnant woman and another passenger suffering a panic attack. Attempts were made to use the emergency alarm to call for help.
Claims of Delayed Emergency Response
According to Elcio, the tourists were initially informed that help had been summoned, but they later found out that hotel staff had not contacted emergency responders immediately. Eventually, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue arrived and assisted in opening the elevator doors. Due to the elevator being stuck slightly below the floor, firefighters helped passengers step out carefully.
No injuries were reported, but the experience was described as terrifying and poorly managed. The group was trapped for approximately 55 minutes.
Official Response and Safety Measures
A representative for Rio Las Vegas stated that the elevator maintenance company was contacted right away and that a response was expected within 30 minutes. The fire department reportedly arrived about 23 minutes after the elevator stopped, and the situation was resolved quickly.
The hotel emphasized the elevator’s weight limit of 3,500 pounds, noting that exceeding this could lead to mechanical problems. They assured that guest safety remains a top priority.
Background and Recent Concerns
The Rio hotel, located off the Las Vegas Strip and undergoing extensive renovations under new ownership, has faced scrutiny regarding its maintenance and operations in recent years. In February 2026, the property was the site of a tragic murder-suicide, and in December 2021, a fatal stabbing occurred in one of the hotel rooms.
