The invention relates to an arrangement for releasing the operating brake of an elevator in an emergency situation and for driving an elevator car of the elevator to a floor level, comprising at least one electric operating brake of the elevator as well as a brake release lever, which brake release lever is connected with the brake via a mechanical transmission means, which arrangement further comprises an overspeed governor connected with a gripping device of the elevator car. According to the invention in between the brake release lever and the brake a coupling device is arranged, which coupling device is controlled by the overspeed governor. Via this means the car velocity is controlled also during release of trapped passengers.