Some new details have emerged regarding the death of the woman who was killed by a malfunctioning elevator in New York City last month. Although these details are not confirmed, they do shed some light on the tragic elevator accident and may provide an explanation (but not an excuse) for how such a tragedy could happen.

The 41-year-old woman was killed when the elevator she was entering suddenly shot up and then plummeted back down. Apparently, her death was so gruesome that a second woman who was in the elevator when the disaster occurred has said she was traumatized by the horrific sight.

Now, a source has told a Manhattan news website that the elevator company that was fixing the elevator rushed it back into service and did not wait for the Department of Buildings to certify the repair, as it should have.

The unnamed source told the website that it is now believed the accident would not have occurred if the elevator repair company has not been so hasty and had followed the rules. Supposedly, the case is being forward to the Manhattan District Attorney's office to see if criminal charges are warranted.

As we said, in a case like this, some of these details could turn out to not be true, or perhaps can be proven. Regardless, it is important that everyone in New York realize that elevators are dangerous pieces of equipment and furthermore that if they ever get hurt while on one, they have a right to hold the responsible party accountable.

Source: DNA Info, "Suzanne Hart's Death Could Have Been Avoided if Rules Followed, Sources Say," Murray Weiss, Jan. 17, 2012