Tourists Trapped for Nearly an Hour in Rio Las Vegas Elevator

A group of 17 tourists visiting Las Vegas experienced a nightmarish elevator ride at the Rio in the US after the car suddenly dropped and stalled between floors, leaving them trapped for nearly an hour.

Pregnant Woman Trapped in the Elevator

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

According to Elcio, the elevator initially seemed to function normally before abruptly shifting and dropping a short distance, which she estimated at a couple of feet. 

Shortly afterward, the elevator came to a stop just below the lobby level, preventing the doors from opening properly.

What followed, passengers say, was a long wait in a tight space with little ventilation. Elcio, who is a nurse, explained conditions became increasingly uncomfortable as time passed, noting that airflow was limited and the group eventually had to partially open the door to breathe more easily.

She also said the situation became more stressful as people inside included a pregnant woman and another individual experiencing a panic attack. Some passengers reportedly used the emergency alarm and attempted to get assistance while waiting.

Delayed Assistance, Claim the Tourists

Elcio claimed the group was told help had been called, but later learned that emergency responders had not yet been contacted by hotel staff. 

Eventually, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue arrived and assisted in opening the doors. Because the elevator had stopped slightly below the floor level, firefighters helped passengers step up and out one by one.

No injuries were reported, though passengers described the experience as frightening and disorganized. Elcio said they were trapped for about 55 minutes in total.

In response to Casino.org inquiries, a publicity representative for Rio Las Vegas said the elevator service company was contacted immediately and estimated a response time of under 30 minutes. 

The statement also said that the fire department arrived at the scene roughly 23 minutes after the elevator came to a stop, and that the situation was “resolved swiftly”.

The hotel also noted that the elevator system has a weight limit of 3,500 pounds, suggesting that overcapacity can contribute to mechanical issues. It emphasized that guest safety remains a priority.

The Rio, an off-Strip property that has been undergoing extensive renovations under new ownership, has faced ongoing scrutiny in recent years over maintenance and operational concerns. 

In February 2026, a horrible, shocking murder-suicide shook the same property, leaving two family members dead. In December 2021, a man was stabbed to death in a hotel room at the Rio.