Trending Topics

R.I. firefighter falls down elevator shaft during rescue at senior housing apartment

A Providence firefighter was seriously injured after a 10-foot fall while responding to a power outage that trapped residents in an elevator

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A veteran Providence firefighter was injured after falling about 10 feet down an elevator shaft at an elderly housing development on March 16, authorities said.

Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva told 12 News that the firefighter lost his footing and fell inside the shaft at Sister Dominica Manor on Atwells Avenue. Silva said the firefighter suffered serious injuries and was taken to Rhode Island Hospital’s trauma center.

| SURVEY: What Firefighters Want in 2026: Training

The firefighter fell about 10 feet into the elevator shaft and suffered head and leg injuries, but was alert and conscious when transported to the hospital and is expected to recover, WJAR reported.

Firefighters had been called to the building to rescue people trapped in an elevator during a power outage.

The outage was caused by a tree branch that fell on power lines near the housing development, according to Rhode Island Energy.

Trending
A Mini Cooper collided with a CAL FIRE rig, killing the driver and a 10-year-old passenger and injuring three firefighters
About 150 Greensboro firefighters packed City Council chambers to support a special separation allowance they say would help recruitment, retention and long-term competitiveness
Worcester will begin construction on a new South Division firehouse, replacing the current facility that has served firefighters since 1959
State marshals served an eviction order, forcing the Taftville Fire Company to leave its city-owned firehouse as Norwich moved to stake control of city-owned apparatus

Company News
New public safety Assist Agents will responsibly automate workflows to more effectively serve the community

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.