Final answer:
The question cannot be precisely answered without additional information; however, an estimate can be made by assuming an average person's weight. Using 75 kg per person, an elevator with a capacity of 124 tons (or 124,000 kg) could hold approximately 1653 people in weight only, ignoring safety factors and actual weight variations.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how many people an elevator can carry, we need to know the average weight of a person rather than focusing on the mass of the elevator itself which is 124 tons in the question or the 1700 kg filled elevator from the reference material provided. We do not have sufficient information to provide a precise number of people for an elevator with a 124-ton capacity. However, we can estimate using an average body weight. Assuming an average body weight of roughly 75 kg (or 165 lb), we can perform a quick calculation: if an elevator can hold 124 tons (or 124,000 kg), we would divide 124,000 kg by 75 kg/person which gives us approximately 1653 people. This number is not exact and could vary greatly depending on the actual weight of the passengers and the weight restrictions of the elevator. Safety factors also need to be considered. It's important that elevators are not overloaded, as this could be dangerous and cause the elevator to malfunction.