The start of your marriage isn’t supposed to be spoiled by the arrival of a whole group of firefighters that weren’t invited. At least, that isn’t what typically happens. But for a newlywed couple in North Carolina, that’s just what they got on the way to their wedding reception. Victoria and Panav Jha had just finished saying ‘I do’, and were headed to their party.
The couple, along with Victoria’s sister and 3 other guests hopped into an elevator at the Grand Bohemian Hotel. Heading down to the reception, a sudden loud boom and jolt suddenly threw a wrench into the party plans. “We got up maybe five feet, then boom we got stuck,” Panav told reporters. The couple and their guests were suddenly trapped just below the 16th floor.
I could see a concrete wall in front of me and I could see a concrete wall behind me,” he said. “That’s not normal.”
“It had to happen with the groom and I both stuck in the elevator. So, at least it wasn’t just one of us,” his new wife added. Not wanting to miss out on documenting their wild ride, the group took photos of the bride and groom, while calling for help. Next up to join the group – the Charlotte Fire Department.
Victoria and Panav Jha pose with the firefighters who rescued them from a broken elevator right after their wedding. Photo By Charlotte Fire Department
After hours of waiting, the firefighters went through the top of the elevator and pulled up all six party guests. “They harnessed me up, got me in full gear, and pulled me up four floors with a fireman,” Victoria said. While the couple sadly missed their wedding party, they did get to pose with the firefighters to add to their wedding memories.
“WEDDING NIGHT RESCUE,” the firefighters wrote on Twitter, sharing photos and video of the rescue. “6 people were trapped in a hotel elevator between the first and second floor. All 6 who Charlotte firefighters pulled to safety, were part of the Jha wedding party. Mr. and Mrs. Jha, we hope today is the start of a long and happy life.”
“This is a beautiful photo, awesome story too,” one person commented. Another said, “Mr. and Mrs. Jha now have a wonderful story to tell their children and grandchildren. Congratulations to the Happy Couple.” The Jha’s said that they were grateful that they were safely rescued, even though the pair missed their celebration.
“We were not able to celebrate or do the last kisses or goodbyes. And that’s what put the damper on everything. That’s how the wedding night had to end,” said Victoria. But at least the pair could laugh about it. Panav said the whole thing felt like a movie. “I would say James Bond. Maybe Mission Impossible,” he laughed. See the amazing rescue below!
