Japan seals tallest broadcasting tower after 20 people trapped inside elevator

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japanese authorities have sealed the world's tallest broadcasting tower in Tokyo after 20 people were trapped in its elevator for more than five hours on Sunday night.

Tokyo Skytree tower, which is a popular tourist spot, will be closed through Tuesday for safety checks, Kyodo News reported.

Police said the passengers, including children, were trapped when the elevator came to a sudden stop at 30 meters (98 feet) above ground level.

No casualties were reported.

According to Tobu Tower Skytree Co., two elevators stopped. One of them was empty, while the other had passengers.

The passengers were rescued by raising a steel platform to the same height as the trapped elevator.

The rescue operation started on Sunday evening and ran through early Monday morning.