Three Injured in Escalator Falls at Hualien Train Station
In a shocking incident at Hualien Train Station this morning, three passengers were injured in falls on an escalator. The incident occurred at 7:49 a.m. when the handrail of the escalator suddenly stopped, causing instability and resulting in the passengers falling.
A Concerned Citizen’s Account
The incident was reported by a concerned citizen named Chen, who recounted how his 70-year-old sister, her husband, and their niece were at the station to catch a train back to Su’ao. As they boarded the escalator to reach platform 2 for the 8:01 a.m. train to Su’ao, the handrail malfunctioned, leading to a series of falls that left the passengers injured. Chen’s sister suffered a head injury and a laceration to the back of her head, while her husband and niece also sustained bruises and scratches.
Chen described the chaotic scene, with his sister, husband, and niece tumbling over each other on the escalator. Fortunately, other passengers and station staff rushed to their aid, helping them up and ensuring they were safe. Despite the injuries, the passengers were able to leave their contact information with station personnel before rushing to catch their train.
Station Manager’s Response
The station manager, Yang Shun-an, confirmed the incident, stating that surveillance footage showed the accident occurring at 7:49 a.m. when the first passenger fell, causing a chain reaction that led to all three individuals falling on the escalator. Station staff quickly responded, assisting the passengers and shutting off the escalator’s power.
After a brief inspection, the escalator was deemed safe for use, and repairs were promptly carried out to prevent any further incidents. Yang reassured the public that if the fault lay with the escalator, compensation would be provided to the affected passengers.
Safety Recommendations and Concerns
Following the incident, the Taiwan Railways Administration issued a safety advisory for passengers using escalators. They advised passengers to stand on only one step and avoid straddling two steps to maintain stability. Additionally, passengers were cautioned against using mobile phones while on escalators and encouraged to place small luggage one step above their height for safety.
As investigations continue to determine the cause of the escalator malfunction, passengers are urged to keep any medical documentation related to their injuries for potential compensation claims.
In light of the unfortunate incident at Hualien Train Station, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of all passengers and prevent similar accidents in the future. The well-being of passengers remains a top priority, and measures are being put in place to maintain the highest standards of safety and security at all railway stations.
