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Shenzhen 200 elevators failed
In the past 30 days, three elevator-related incidents have shaken Shenzhen's Luohu District, raising serious concerns about public safety. These include the "4·17" incident at East Gate Dikeko Children’s Park where an escalator caused injury, the "4·24" accident at Nantianqiao People's Square, and the tragic "5·15" elevator death at Gui Garden Street Changhong Building. The string of events has sparked widespread alarm among residents and officials alike.
According to data from a 2012 spot check, over 18,500 out of more than 100,000 elevators in Shenzhen may be non-compliant with safety standards. Industry experts point to a highly competitive maintenance market that has driven down prices, leading to substandard service and cutting corners in repairs. This environment has created a dangerous cycle where cost-saving measures often compromise safety.
A recent inspection by the Shenzhen Market Supervision Bureau revealed troubling results: out of 200 randomly sampled elevators, 37 were found to be faulty. Zhang Shaobiao, head of the Special Administrative Division, highlighted that Shenzhen is home to over 100,000 elevators — the third-largest number in China — with 10,000 new units added annually. The scale of the problem is staggering, especially given that nearly 19% of the city’s elevators are over 15 years old.
The reasons for these failures are varied. Many elevators lack complete technical records, some safety devices are missing or malfunctioning, and critical components are not maintained properly. According to Tang Hongkai, Secretary General of the Shenzhen Special Equipment Industry Association, maintenance should occur every 15 days, but many companies cut this to monthly checks, even when no accidents have occurred.
With over 316 elevator maintenance companies operating in the city, competition is fierce. Companies are forced to lower their rates, often at the expense of quality. Some even delay necessary repairs due to financial constraints, allowing hazards to persist. A maintenance company official admitted that the industry standard is “as long as it works,†and if users don’t pay for parts, companies have little choice but to proceed with minimal intervention.
Low wages and poor working conditions also contribute to the crisis. Maintenance workers face difficult, low-paying jobs with limited training and job security. Many companies struggle to retain skilled workers, further worsening the situation. As one manager put it, “We can’t afford to hire enough people, and we don’t have the resources to train them properly.â€
Regulatory oversight is another issue. The Shenzhen Institute of Special Equipment Safety Inspection, which conducts annual inspections, is underfunded and understaffed. With over 100,000 elevators to inspect and only 402 staff members, the pressure on inspectors is immense. Moreover, the inspection fees — averaging around 700 yuan per elevator — are seen as a source of profit rather than a public service.
China lacks a national mandatory scrapping system for elevators, meaning aging equipment can continue to operate indefinitely. Some elevators in Shenzhen have been in use for nearly 20 years, posing significant risks. Experts warn that without proper regulation, such systems could lead to more frequent accidents.
In response, the Shenzhen Special Equipment Safety Inspection Institute has launched a large-scale random inspection campaign. Over 10,000 elevators will be checked, including all those involved in the recent incidents and older models. If any fail, they will be required to undergo immediate repairs or be taken out of service.
Authorities have also pledged to hold responsible parties accountable. Zhang Shaobiao emphasized that criminal responsibility would be pursued if violations are found. Additionally, the Market Supervision Bureau is drafting a reform plan aimed at improving elevator safety through 11 key measures.
As the city grapples with this ongoing crisis, one thing is clear: urgent action is needed to ensure the safety of millions of residents who rely on elevators every day.