New Jersey escalator malfunction injures several commuters

It is well known to the residents in New Jersey that morning commutes can be difficult. When people are hastily trying to reach their destination by various means of transportation, however, a personal injury could occur in the rush. Areas of transportation are often crowded by massive amounts of people, which could mean multiple people being injured if an accident were to occur.

That was the case recently, when an escalator at the Jersey City station malfunctioned. The escalator had suffered severe damage in Hurricane Sandy, but once the station was back in operation, commuters were using it on a daily basis. The escalator was filed with morning commuters when it malfunctioned by moving in the opposite direction. When the escalator began moving downwards, people standing on it began to panic. The crowd of people approaching the escalators stampeded people at the bottom of the moving stairs. Those that were midway up the stairs began to jump over to the designated down escalator in order to avoid colliding with others.

Several people were injured, but none of the injuries were life threatening. Those who experienced back and neck pain, scratches, bumps and bruises were treated. This incident resulted in all three of the escalators in the station being shut down, and required the commuters to walk up the 128 stairs to reach the street level. The malfunction is still being investigated at this time. A person injured in an incident like this might have a personal injury claim. Compensation from the suit would go towards medical bills, lost wages and damages.

A mistake or malfunction can often be the source of an accident. These types of incidents cannot always be prevented, but servicing machines routinely and providing proper maintenance could reduce the chances of an accident occurring.

Source: nydailynews.com, “VIDEO: Escalator accident at New Jersey PATH station leaves 5 injured,” Jan. 7, 2013