A routine day on a university campus in Bangladesh's capital turned into a scene of sheer panic and chaos, all because of a sudden and terrifying malfunction of a common machine. Students at BRAC University in Dhaka found themselves in a nightmare scenario when an escalator inside the campus abruptly accelerated to a dangerous speed.
What Happened at BRAC University?
The incident, captured in a now-viral 16-second video clip, shows the escalator moving at an unusually fast and alarming pace while several students were riding it. The normal hum of the machine was replaced by screams of terror as those on board struggled to maintain their balance. Students were seen desperately clutching the handrails and each other to avoid a serious fall as the escalator raced towards the top.
The footage, widely shared on social media platforms, clearly depicts the moment of chaos. As the escalator sped up wildly, students at the top hurried to jump off or step away upon reaching the floor. Onlookers nearby stood frozen in shock, their expressions mirroring the confusion and fear, before joining in the yells.
Social Media Reaction and University's Silence
BRAC University student Tahmid Kamal posted the video online with a caption that read, “Stairway to heaven for a reason.” The clip quickly blew up, sparking intense online debates about campus safety standards and infrastructure maintenance. Social media users expressed deep concern, questioning what could have caused such a critical failure.
Despite the viral nature of the event and growing public worry, BRAC University has not released any official statement. The administration has not addressed the probable cause of the malfunction, which could range from a mechanical fault and control system error to poor maintenance. Furthermore, the university has not communicated any immediate safety steps taken in response to the incident.
A Wake-Up Call for Public Safety
This frightening episode at a prominent Dhaka university serves as a stark reminder of how fragile our trust in everyday technology can be. From metro stations and shopping malls to educational campuses, millions rely on escalators and similar machines for daily commute and movement.
The incident highlights an urgent and universal need for:
- Rigorous and frequent safety checks of public infrastructure.
- Transparent maintenance protocols and accountability from institutions.
- Clear emergency response plans for such mechanical failures.
Fortunately, in this case, quick thinking and a frantic scramble allowed all students to get off the runaway escalator safely, with no injuries reported. However, the event has left a lasting impression, fueling urgent calls for better oversight of the machines we depend on every single day.
