The man was discovered Sunday night after authorities responded to reports that a rider was stuck in an elevator.

The rider later told authorities that he heard noise while taking the elevator up at the bustling Montgomery Street station, transit police Lt. Michael Hayes told The Associated Press.

"The rider said he had been riding up to the concourse when he heard a crunching sound, followed by a scream," Hayes said. "Then the elevator stalled."

A man was later found dead on top of the elevator along with personal belongings that apparently included bedding, transit spokeswoman Luna Salaver said.

"We don't understand why anyone would seek refuge in an elevator shaft. It is disturbing, upsetting and highly unusual," Salaver said. "This has never happened before in our 40 years of service."

Authorities suspect the man was homeless, and it was unknown how long he had been inside the elevator, Salaver said. He had no identification when he was found.

BART ticket agents and police conduct sweeps inside stations prior to closing time. Typically, homeless and transient people camp overnight outside a station's gate to get away from the elements, Salaver said.

The incident is under investigation by transit police, and inspectors with Cal OSHA were expected to conduct a separate probe. The elevator could be back in service by March 20, Salaver said.

The death is not considered suspicious, Hayes said.

Submitted on 03/11/2013

Submitted by: R. Q. Lightenhouser
Reference: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/11/5252881/man-crushed-by-elevator-at-bart.html#storylink=omni_popular

Copyright © 2013 DarwinAwards.com

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Homeless or not, he certainly should have known that the top of an elevator isn't exactly the safest place to camp out. Thanks!

Candi said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
What Bruce said!

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4