6 Elevators Fail Inspections At Ohio Campus

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State administrators announced on Tuesday that six elevators on the south campus were closed during an investigation into the death of a freshman student on an elevator last week.

School officials decided to close a second elevator inside the Stradley Hall dormitory after the student died there three days earlier.

The second elevator did not pass a load test, Ohio TV station WCMH reported.

Andrew Polakowski was killed Friday after an elevator inside the dorm trapped him.

Now the 426 students who live in the residence hall are relying on one elevator.

Investigators said Polakowski was the last of 24 people to cram in the elevator, and when he tried to exit it, it slipped and crushed him.

According to investigators, the maximum weight the elevator was to hold is 2,500 pounds.

University administrators said they hired a firm to inspect each of the 67 elevators in campus dormitories.

In a news conference held on Tuesday, school officials said that out of 18 elevators in residence halls on south campus, only 12 of them passed inspection.

One elevator in each of Park and Steeb halls, and two elevators in Smith and Stradley halls failed.

The campus interim student affairs vice president said the elevators will not reopen until they are serviced and in 100 percent compliance with safety standards.

Claire Kasvinsky, who lives on the fourth floor of Stradley Hall, said she has been taking the stairs since Friday's incident.

"I just don't want to be over there," Kasvinsky said. "I don't want to think about it, really."

Investigators said that the elevator passed every inspection in the last five years, but pointed out the elevator could have been over capacity by over 1,000 pounds when the 24 students were crammed inside the elevator.

Students said it's not normal for 24 people to cram into an elevator. Investigators said Polakowski was part of a group of students who were partying together.

School officials posted warnings next to each elevator on campus, warning students about the dangers of overcrowding the elevators and horseplay.

Students said having to use stairs can sometimes be a hassle, but that they'd rather be safe than have the convenience.

Ohio State University President Dr. Karen Holbrook said she will assemble an elevator safety task force comprised of students and staff members.

Students headed to Erie, Pa., to attend Polakowski's funeral on Tuesday.