An Elevator Donated by the Fondation La Marck Saves a Sister’s Life in Beirut

The large-capacity elevator was originally intended to assist disabled students coming from war zones. During the explosions on August 4, 2020, however, it also ended up saving the life of a nun.

Indeed, following the first explosion in Beirut, Sister Marlène, who heads the school, went up to the roof, which offers a clear view of the port less than a kilometre away. Realising the ongoing fire was extremely dangerous, her instincts led her to take refuge in the elevator. The doors had just closed when the second, much larger, explosion occurred. While the outer door was destroyed, the inner door and the elevator cabin shielded her.

It was a great joy for the Fondation La Marck to learn that the elevator they had provided had saved her life. Sadly, the community of the Daughters of Charity and Sister Marlène are mourning the loss of another sister who was killed instantly.