Disabled, Elderly Trapped in East London Tower Block After Weeklong Lift Breakdown

Residents of Balfron Tower, a 26-storey Grade II-listed building in East London, have been trapped in their homes for nearly a week due to both lifts breaking down, forcing them to use stairs up to 15 floors. This situation has been described as inhumane, especially for disabled and elderly residents like Peter Yu, who suffers from spinal injuries, and Vasundhata Gupte, recovering from a hamstring injury, both of whom have found it excruciating or impossible to climb the stairs. The building management company, Way of Life, has acknowledged the issue, apologizing and working to restore lift service, but residents report inadequate support and difficulties accessing promised assistance such as grocery deliveries. Concerns have been raised about safety risks in case of emergencies, with one lift designated as a fire safety lift now out of operation. The crisis has prompted a viral social media plea from residents, drawing offers of help and legal advice. Balfron Tower, designed by Erno Goldfinger and transferred to housing association Poplar Harca in 2007, remains a significant architectural landmark but currently faces a severe accessibility crisis.