Hong Kong China escalator accident – CWEB.com
According to the South China Morning Post a 45 meter long ascending elevator suddenly became a descending one, sending shoppers crashing to the floor. The ‘Xpresscalator’ was carrying about 100 shoppers at the time.
“I heard people screaming … the escalator was going down but the speed accelerated,” the woman, who identified herself as Tina, told the South China Morning Post.
Eijinsite reports that police say the accident was caused by a broken chain and brake malfunction. The escalators had passed an inspection the prior Thursday, according to the mall.
The pair, who work for Otis Elevator Company, were alleged to have moved some parts of the elevator after the incident, which has resulted in them being charged with “perverting the course of justice”.