17 Tourists Stranded in Rio Las Vegas Elevator for Nearly an Hour

(AsiaGameHub) –   A group of 17 tourists visiting Las Vegas endured a harrowing elevator ordeal at the Rio after the car suddenly dropped and became stranded between floors, leaving them trapped for nearly an hour.

Pregnant Woman Among Those Trapped

The incident, which occurred earlier this month, gained widespread attention when a series of viral videos shared by passenger Melissa Elcio circulated online and were later featured by Inside Edition.

According to Elcio, the elevator appeared to operate normally until it abruptly shifted and dropped a short distance, which she estimated at just a couple of feet. Shortly afterward, the elevator halted just below the lobby level, preventing the doors from opening properly.

Passengers reported spending a lengthy period in a confined space with poor ventilation. As time passed, conditions grew increasingly uncomfortable, especially as airflow became limited. Elcio, who is a nurse, noted that the group eventually had to partially open the door to improve air circulation.

She also explained that the situation intensified due to the presence of a pregnant woman and another individual suffering from a panic attack inside the cabin. Some passengers activated the emergency alarm and made efforts to summon assistance during the wait.

Tourists Claim Assistance Was Delayed

Elcio stated that hotel staff initially informed them help was on the way but later revealed that emergency responders had not yet been contacted. Eventually, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue arrived and managed to open the doors. Since the elevator had stopped slightly beneath the floor level, firefighters assisted passengers in stepping up and exiting one by one.

No injuries were reported, though passengers described the experience as frightening and poorly handled. Elcio confirmed they remained trapped for approximately 55 minutes.

In response to inquiries from Casino.org, a publicity representative for Rio Las Vegas said the elevator service company was notified immediately and estimated a response time of under 30 minutes. The statement also indicated that the fire department reached the scene about 23 minutes after the elevator came to a stop and that the situation was “resolved swiftly.”

The hotel also pointed out that the elevator system has a weight limit of 3,500 pounds, suggesting that exceeding this capacity could lead to mechanical failures. It emphasized that guest safety remains a top priority.

The Rio, an off-Strip property currently undergoing extensive renovations under new ownership, has faced ongoing scrutiny in recent years over maintenance and operational concerns. In February 2026, a tragic murder-suicide took place at the same property, resulting in two family members being killed. In December 2021, a man was fatally stabbed in a hotel room at the Rio.