Escalator Accidents

Escalators are conveyor transports made of linked steps that move up or down tracks which keep the treads horizontal. They are common in malls, airports, office buildings, and a variety of other places. A benefit of an escalator is that it can be put in place in any area that could have held a stair case.

Over the years, since they were invented, there have been reports of people falling off of moving escalators or getting their shoe stuck in the tread. Riding an escalator with untied shoelaces has been shown to be particularly hazardous.

In February of 1982, 8 people died while 30 were injured when an escalator collapsed. This escalator was used in one of the stops on the Moscow Metro. Following an investigation, it was determined that wrongly set up emergency brakes were later blamed.

In 1987, 31 people died after a fire broke out in the undercarriage of an M-type Otis escalator. The fire occurred in the Kings Cross St. Pancras Station. This is the busiest interchange on the London Tube. It serves two of the major train stations in the city.

In December of 1999, an 8 year old was killed in New Delhi’s international airport. The young girl fell into a hole and was crushed by the escalator machinery. The hole was caused by improper maintenance.

If you have been injured in an accident involving an escalator, please contact the Madison personal injury lawyers of Habush, Habush, & Rottier at 1-800-822-1690 to discuss your situation and to determine your legal options.