Escalator malfunctions at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, 4 people injured

A tragic incident occurred around 1:00 P.M. at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station on Sunday when an Escalator (No.70, F-Block near gate no-06) moving in the upward direction from Subway to Ground Level slipped in the reverse direction.

As the escalator carrying 25 people started malfunctioning and slipped downwards, four people were injured including a woman.

The injured passengers were sent to RML hospital and all four were discharged after being administered first aid, said a metro official. 

The escalator was designed, manufactured and being maintained by M/s Kone.

Rajiv Chowk was heavily crowded on Sunday and in such a scenario, a major disaster could have occured due to the incident. However, some people understood the situation and climbed downstairs as the escalator slipped.

This helped in averting a bigger tragedy and after some time, calm prevailed at the Metro station.

"The reason behind the incident is being investigated,"a metro spokesperson said.

An FIR under sections 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of IPC has been registered regarding  the case and the injured would be medically examined, a senior police officer said.

"Necessary action to jointly check and investigate hasbeen taken to look into this failure," DMRC said. 

With PTI inputs