A routine journey turned into a heart-stopping moment for students at Dhaka University on Tuesday, when an escalator suddenly malfunctioned and sped up without warning. The incident, which was captured on video and went viral on social media, caused significant panic but ended with all students managing to alight safely.
The Moment of Panic Captured on Video
The alarming event unfolded on December 16, 2025, and quickly spread online after a user named Ahib Jane (@Jane_ahib) posted a clip on X (formerly Twitter). The video shows the escalator, which is located within the university premises, abruptly increasing its speed. This unexpected acceleration turned a normal ascent into a chaotic scene within seconds, as students struggled to maintain their balance and composure.
Eyewitness accounts and the viral footage depict a scene of confusion and fear. Students were seen grabbing the handrails tightly, with some stumbling as the escalator's rapid movement caught them completely off guard. The lack of any prior warning made the situation particularly frightening for those on the moving staircase.
Chaos Ensues, But All Escape Safely
Despite the immediate danger and the ensuing chaos, the outcome was fortunate. All the students managed to exit the escalator without any reported physical injuries. The quick reactions of the individuals involved, who helped each other to safety, prevented what could have been a serious accident.
The incident raises immediate questions about the maintenance and safety protocols for public infrastructure within educational institutions. A sudden mechanical failure of this nature points to potential lapses in regular inspection routines. University authorities are expected to launch an investigation to determine the exact cause of the malfunction, which could range from a technical glitch in the control system to a maintenance oversight.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
This event at Dhaka University serves as a critical reminder of the importance of rigorous safety checks for escalators and other public-use machinery. Such equipment, used daily by thousands, must undergo consistent and thorough maintenance to prevent terrifying malfunctions.
While the story had a safe ending, it has sparked a wider conversation online about infrastructure safety in public spaces across South Asia. The viral nature of the video has put pressure on the relevant authorities to not only fix the specific escalator but also to audit similar installations to ensure student and public safety is never compromised again.
The news was formally reported by the DH Web Desk on December 17, 2025, at 06:20 IST, confirming the details of the unsettling event.
