PEACH SPRINGS, AZ — After more than 26 hours, all those stuck underground in a cave at the Grand Canyon Caverns have been rescued after an elevator stopped working on Sunday.
According to Coconino County, five people remained trapped Monday afternoon.
A repair team worked to determine the issue and figure out how long it would take to fix the elevator Monday.
A search and rescue team was also on site to hoist those who needed help without using a basket apparatus.
According to a family member of those still in the cave, around 8 p.m. Monday, everyone was rescued and three had to been hoisted up by the search and rescue team.
Sherry Jimenez was finally pulled out of the Grand Canyon Caverns nearly 30 hours after she went down there.
"I can't say thank you enough because they did everything so professionally, so safe," says Sherry Jimenez, had to be rescued.
The search & rescue team from Coconino County was trying to comfort the family members on the way up. Each rescue took at least 25 minutes.
ABC15 spoke to a family of 8 who were among the ones who could not walk up the set of stairs.
The family says they went into the cave before noon Sunday for a 30-minute tour when they became trapped.
Of the five people, at least two are in their 70s and the group is unable to walk safely up the more than 20 stories of a staircase that it would take to get out, according to CCSO. The staircase is described as being tough to walk up and similar to a fire escape staircase. Family members say one of the five people would be able to make the walk out but is choosing to stay with the group.
Before going on the tour, they say they made sure it was handicap accessible.
"I'm super frustrated because it's 2022, almost 2023, and I think handicap accessible should definitely be advanced by now. You have nothing for somebody in a wheelchair to get out," says Felicia.
All other people who were at the Grand Canyon Caverns when the elevator broke were able to walk up the stairs to get out.
Felicia says she was stuck for about 10 hours with her five-month-old and two-year-old daughters. She was eventually able to climb out by holding onto the railing while walking up the stairs. The Peach Springs Fire Department helped her with both of her children.
The Grand Canyon Caverns are a popular tourist attraction that allows people to dine 21 stories underground inside of a cave.
The family says they did get food, but that their first meal was after waiting several hours. They returned back home to Kingman, and say they plan on taking legal action.
No injuries have been reported.
