TUMWATER, Wash. (AP) - The Washington state Department of Labor and Industries says more than 60 people have been injured on escalators in the year since a man was killed on a King County Metro escalator. And the agency says at least 70 percent of those injuries could have been avoided if riders had used the hand rail.
On April 8, 2013, 42-year-old Maurecio Bell choked to death after his clothing got tangled in an escalator during the early morning hours at the University Street Station. Video footage showed Bell losing his balance and falling on his back.
L&I chief elevator inspector Jack Day says an escalator accident can happen very fast. He says injuries typically occur when people lose their balance while carrying packages or luggage.
Day says the anniversary is an important time to emphasize rider safety.
L&I completed more than 10,600 elevator and escalator inspections last year.
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