A 40-year-old Massachusetts man has died following a tragic escalator accident at an MBTA subway station in Somerville, raising questions about emergency response procedures and public awareness during emergencies.
Steven McCluskey was traveling to a subway platform at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Davis Station on Feb. 27 when the incident occurred. Surveillance video later reviewed by local media showed McCluskey falling near the bottom of an escalator and becoming trapped for several minutes before help arrived.
According to reports from NBC 10 Boston and The Boston Globe, McCluskey later died in the hospital ten days after the accident.
Incident
The accident happened at approximately 5 a.m. while McCluskey was riding an escalator down toward the subway platform. Video footage reportedly showed the 40-year-old stumbling near the end of the escalator before becoming trapped.
Authorities said parts of his clothing became caught underneath the escalator mechanism, causing compression around his neck and restricting his airway.
Witness footage and surveillance video indicated that several commuters passed by during the incident. Some individuals briefly stopped to look, while others used nearby stairs instead of the escalator.
It was not until roughly 22 minutes later that an MBTA employee intervened and stopped the escalator using the emergency stop button.
| Incident Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Steven McCluskey |
| Age | 40 |
| Location | Davis Station, Somerville |
| Date | Feb. 27 |
| Time | Around 5 a.m. |
| Transit Agency | MBTA |
| Cause | Clothing trapped in escalator |
| Hospital Outcome | Died 10 days later |
Response
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the escalator was stopped. According to NBC 10 Boston, first responders found McCluskey without a pulse when they reached the scene.
Officials said it took approximately 30 additional minutes to free him from the escalator machinery before transporting him to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The MBTA later described the event as a “terrible accident” and emphasized that escalators across the transit system are equipped with emergency stop buttons.
“It is important that the public knows that anyone can stop an escalator in an emergency by pressing the red button labeled ‘STOP’ at the top and bottom of each escalator,” the agency said in a statement.
The agency also advised riders to immediately contact emergency services after stopping an escalator during an emergency situation.
Investigation
MBTA General Manager Phil Eng called the incident “a tragedy” and said the transit authority continues to prioritize safety and reliability across the system.
According to records obtained by NBC 10 Boston, an MBTA inspector had clocked in around 4:45 a.m. on the morning of the accident. Eng explained that employees were conducting routine operational checks before the morning commute when the incident occurred.
After McCluskey was transported to the hospital, the escalator involved was inspected by maintenance workers. Officials reported that no mechanical problems were found and the escalator was later returned to service.
At this stage, investigators have not publicly identified additional contributing factors beyond the entanglement involving the victim’s clothing.
Questions
Family members of Steven McCluskey have continued to seek answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident and the response time at the station.
His sister, Shannon Flaherty, and mother, Mary Flaherty, described him as a devoted father who enjoyed building things and spending time with his children.
The family also questioned why help did not arrive sooner despite the station being open and staffed at the time.
“Where was security?” his mother asked during an interview with NBC 10 Boston. “How, at a busy train station, does nobody stop, nobody see him?”
The Somerville Police Department had not publicly commented on the case as of May 16.
Safety
Escalator accidents are relatively uncommon but can become dangerous when clothing, bags, or loose items become caught in moving machinery. Transportation agencies often encourage riders to stay alert, avoid loose garments near moving parts, and familiarize themselves with emergency stop button locations.
| Escalator Safety Tip | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Stand clear of edges | Reduces entanglement risk |
| Secure loose clothing | Prevents items from getting caught |
| Locate emergency stop buttons | Helps during emergencies |
| Watch children closely | Improves rider safety |
| Report hazards immediately | Speeds emergency response |
The incident has drawn wider attention to emergency awareness in public transit settings and the role bystanders can play during unfolding emergencies. While investigations continue, transit officials and safety experts alike stress the importance of quick action when someone appears to be in distress.
FAQs
Where did the escalator accident happen?
It happened at Davis Station in Somerville, Massachusetts.
Who was involved in the accident?
Steven McCluskey, a 40-year-old man.
What caused the accident?
His clothing became trapped in the escalator.
How long before help arrived?
An MBTA worker intervened about 22 minutes later.
Did the escalator have mechanical issues?
MBTA said no mechanical problems were found.
