Thiruvananthapuram: Two passengers sustained injuries on Wednesday morning after an escalator malfunctioned at Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station. The escalator, which was moving upwards, abruptly stopped and began moving downwards, causing passengers to lose their balance and fall.
Incident Details
The injured individuals were identified as Dhanya and Ambili, who had arrived on the Vanchinad Express. Following the incident, they received first aid at the railway aid post before being transferred to the general hospital. They were later discharged after treatment.
How the Incident Unfolded
The malfunction occurred while passengers were using the escalator to travel from Platform 5 to Platform 1. Witnesses reported that the escalator emitted a loud noise before suddenly reversing its direction. A major disaster was narrowly avoided when a quick-thinking passenger pressed the emergency switch, bringing the escalator to a halt.
Passengers alleged that railway staff did not provide adequate assistance to the injured individuals following the incident. An initial assessment by railway authorities suggests that overcrowding on the escalator may have contributed to the malfunction.
Response and Investigation
The railway administration has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the escalator failure. Safety protocols are being reviewed to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The injured passengers have been advised to follow up with medical professionals if needed.
