Dad-of-two dies stuck in escalator as commuters walk past | World | News
Harrowing CCTV footage has captured the moment a father-of-two desperately fought to free himself from a terrifying escalator accident as commuters walked by without stopping to help.
Steven McClusky, 40, became entangled in the machinery at Davis Station in Massachusetts after losing his footing while stepping off the escalator.
Deeply disturbing footage appears to show more than a dozen people walking past as he struggled to break free.
One commuter even appeared to stop and stare before turning away and continuing on their way.
According to reports, McClusky’s coat became caught in the escalator mechanism after he lost his balance at the foot of the steps.
He frantically attempted to unzip his jacket and wrench himself free, but the fabric tightened around his neck, severely restricting his breathing. Within moments, he collapsed and lay motionless.
Authorities stated that McClusky was discovered “pinned at the bottom of the escalator,” with a report describing him as “unresponsive” with clothing “tightly lodged within the escalator steps”.
It reportedly took over 20 minutes before a member of staff arrived and activated the emergency stop button.
Paramedics carried out CPR at the scene before McClusky was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he lay in a coma for 10 days before succumbing to his injuries on March 9.
In a heartbreaking tribute, his father said: “Above all, he loved being father to his two sons, Shayne and Steven, who meant the world to him.”
The MBTA referred to the incident as a “terrible accident” and called upon members of the public to assist others in need. However, McClusky’s family have stated they want the transport authority to “take accountability” for his death.
His sister Shannon Flaherty said: “That’s the main thing I don’t want – for them to say they did nothing wrong.”
An investigation into the tragedy remains ongoing.
