SHENGYANG - A malfunctioning lift in China fell 12 stories, but fortunately all 12 passengers in the lift survived the terrifying dive.

Many suffered spinal injuries and fractures in their legs, the Shanghaiist reported.

On July 15 evening, the lift at the Huayang International Mansion in Shenyang, the largest city in north-east China, started having problems when it reached the 27th floor, local media said.

Thelift swayed from side to side and banged on the lift shaft, setting off sparks, one of the passengers recounted.

The roof and lamps fell on them, knocking out some passengers, then wires fell, and they were pressed on the floor of the lift, according to an account by Xiao Li, 27, who suffered some fractures.

It completely detached and crashed to the ground floor from level 12.

Three passengers have lumbar and ankle injuries, a 23-year-old man dislocated his neck, and one 35-year-old woman may be paralysed on her right sidefrom the waist down.

The injured are all employees of NDE Media, and the company is footing their hospital bills.

The lift has been sealed off, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation, reports said.