Early this morning a woman was killed on her way to work when an elevator began to move as she was walking in. She became trapped between the elevator and the shaft wall as it ascended.
The woman was identified as a 41-year-old employee of the advertising agency Y&R. Two people inside the elevator witnessed her gruesome death and suffered minor injuries. They were taken to the hospital for a psychological evaluation.
The Manhattan office building has a history of safety violations. In June, an inspection found a defect in one of the elevators. The New York City Department of Buildings will conduct an investigation.
Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the victim.