Neighbour stuck on M’sia building ledge while trying to rescue elderly man, both rescued by firefighters

Elderly man in Malaysia climbs out onto building ledge after key breaks in lock, neighbour also gets stuck trying to rescue him

On Saturday (22 Aug) afternoon, a 78-year-old man in Malaysia was unable to exit his flat, so he decided to climb out of the window onto the building ledge instead, only to get stuck.

Responding to his calls for help, a courageous neighbour climbed out to the ledge but ended up getting trapped.

Firefighters later arrived to save both men.

Elderly man attempts to leave through window after key breaks in door lock

The incident occurred at around 1.28pm on Penang Island, Malaysia.

According to China Press, a 78-year-old resident on the 14th floor accidentally broke his key inside the lock of his front door while trying to leave, seemingly locking himself in his own flat.

The elderly man then decided to climb out of his window onto a ledge and get to his front door that way.

50-year-old Mr Cao (transliterated), who lived on the 16th floor, suddenly heard alarmed shouts from other residents.

He found the elderly man stuck halfway out of the window, with one leg dangling in the air. The resident had supposedly run out of strength mid-climb and was now clinging to the windowsill for dear life.

Neighbour becomes trapped on building ledge after stabilising elderly man

Mr Cao rushed down to the 14th floor and, due to the critical nature of the situation, climbed over the corridor parapet.

He made his way to the elderly man’s window ledge and stabilised the man on the platform.

The fire department reported that both men became exhausted and were trapped on the precarious window ledge.

While waiting for rescue, Mr Cao asked the elderly resident if he had been attempting suicide.

The elderly man explained what had happened, adding that he often climbed out like this in his youth.

Firefighters enter flat and rescue trapped men through window

When the firefighters arrived, they entered the elderly resident’s unit through the front door.

They subsequently rescued the two trapped men unharmed from the window at 1.52pm, after a 20-minute operation.

After the incident, building management instructed residents to contact them or a locksmith rather than attempting to climb out of the window.

As a final twist to the story, the fire department stated that the front door was actually unlocked the entire time.

Also read: Man who sat on ledge of building in Commonwealth rescued & apprehended under Mental Health Act

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from China Press and Sin Chew Daily.