Woman Killed in MBTA Escalator Accident

Chrissie Cole

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An elderly woman, 82, died after becoming stuck in an escalator in a subway station.

Helen Jackson was leaving the State Street Station at 10 a.m. when she fell and her clothes became stuck in the escalator, said a spokesman for Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA).

The woman suffered a “cardiac incident,” but it is unclear at this time if it was before or after she fell. She was freed and transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

In December, InjuryBoard wrote a story about Escalator Dangers & Safety, and below are some safety tips:

-- Loose shoe laces, scarves, drawstrings and like items can become trapped in escalators. The CPSC has reached an agreement with several children’s clothing manufacturers to remove drawstrings from necks and hoods of children’s clothing.

-- Do not bring children in strollers, carts or walkers onto escalators.

-- Always hold the handrail and face forward.

-- Always hold children’s hands and do not allow them to sit or play on the steps.

-- Try and avoid the edges of the steps where entrapments can occur.

-- Learn where the emergency shutoff button is located should you need to stop the escalator. #