The Tokyo Skytree, a prominent landmark in Sumida, Tokyo, has announced that it will remain closed on the 24th, following an elevator incident that occurred on the evening of the 22nd. The incident involved a malfunction that caused two out of four elevators connecting the fourth floor to the observation deck at a height of 350 meters to stop unexpectedly, trapping 20 passengers in one of the elevators. Thanks to the swift response from the police and fire department, all individuals were rescued by the early hours of the 23rd without any reported injuries or health issues.

The management company suspended operations on the 23rd to conduct a thorough inspection of all elevators. They stated that the decision was made to ensure the safety of all visitors and to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The emergency stop took place at approximately 8:15 PM, and the elevator system is now under scrutiny as the company aims to reinforce its operational procedures and management system to improve safety standards.

This incident highlights the importance of safety measures in high-traffic tourist destinations like the Tokyo Skytree, which attracts millions of visitors annually. The closure for inspection although a precautionary step, could impact tourism and local business in the area, demonstrating how such safety incidents can have wider implications for urban attractions and their operational integrity.