Elevator Magazine news roundup for September 16, 2026

DOMESTIC NEWS

1. Northern Vietnam continues to see heavy rain, elevator safety recommended

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that on September 16-17, 2026, the provinces of Hanoi, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Phu Tho, northern Nghe An and southern Lao Cai will see rainfall of 70-170 mm, with some areas exceeding 250 mm.

The southern areas of Son La, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Hai Phong City, Bac Ninh Province and southern Nghe An Province will see moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms with common rainfall of 40-80 mm, with some places exceeding 150 mm.

Warning of the risk of high-intensity rain (>100mm/3h).

In addition, during the day and night of September 16, the area from Ha Tinh to Hue City and the provinces of Quang Ngai and Gia Lai will see showers and scattered thunderstorms with common rainfall of 15-30 mm, with some places seeing heavy rain exceeding 70 mm (rain concentrated in the afternoon and at night).

During thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong gusts of wind may occur.

Heavy rain may cause flooding in low-lying areas, urban areas and industrial zones. The Institute of Applied Elevator Engineering advises against using elevators when the equipment is flooded; do not use elevators when the power supply is unstable.

At the same time, elevator owners and managers should proactively take preventive measures to ensure elevator safety during rainstorms. 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

1. China home prices continue to decline

China's National Bureau of Statistics announced on September 15, 2026, that new home prices in 70 cities fell 0.17% in August compared with July, following a 0.18% decline the previous month.

Prices of existing homes – a segment less subject to government intervention – fell 0.31%, steeper than the 0.29% decline in July.

Real estate continues to be one of the biggest drags on China's economic growth. In the first eight months of the year, investment in this sector fell nearly 20% compared with the same period last year.

In contrast, industrial production recorded positive results. Industrial output in August rose 5.2% compared with the same period in 2025, higher than the 4.5% increase in July and exceeding economists' forecast of 4.7%.

Exports in August also increased by more than 20%, thanks to global demand for technology products. This momentum could push China's trade surplus to a new record this year. However, the widening gap between exports and domestic demand is raising concerns among economists.

2. Rescue of 135 kg technician who fell into elevator shaft

On the morning of September 10, 2026, a technician had an accident while maintaining an elevator at Shimao Binjiang New Town, Gulou District, Nanjing City, China.

During work, this person missed a step and fell into the elevator shaft, ending up in a dangerous situation.

Upon inspection, authorities determined the victim was a 24-year-old male weighing 135 kg.

When he fell, he was caught by the safety net at the bottom of the elevator pit, but still sustained injuries in multiple locations including his feet, legs, lower back and shoulders. The victim completely lost mobility and could not get out on his own.

Rescuing a 135 kg technician who fell into an elevator shaft

EM - A 24-year-old technician, weighing about 135 kg, suffered multiple injuries after falling into an elevator shaft in Nanjing (China). The narrow space and the victim's inability to move on his own made the rescue process difficult.