Quick-Thinking Rider Saves Woman Trapped in Escalator

When a woman's clothing caught in an escalator at Davis Square Station in Somerville, Massachusetts, one fellow rider knew exactly what to do. The good Samaritan immediately hit the emergency stop button and helped the trapped woman remove her clothing before injury could worsen.

The Friday morning incident happened around 7 a.m. when the woman fell at the bottom of the escalator. Surveillance footage shows how quickly the person ahead of her sprang into action, stopping the machine and lending a hand.

The woman was taken to a local hospital with a hand injury but is expected to make a full recovery. MBTA personnel and Somerville firefighters also arrived to help.

The Bright Side

This rescue carries extra weight because of what happened at this exact location just months ago. In February, a man died after his clothing became trapped in the same escalator and no one stopped the machine in time to help him.

Surveillance video from that tragic incident showed Steven McCluskey trying to free himself for over 20 minutes while multiple people walked past. One person attempted to help but gave up and left. By the time emergency responders arrived, it was too late.

The contrast between these two incidents shows the life-saving difference one informed person can make. The MBTA thanked the quick-thinking rider and reminded everyone that red emergency stop buttons sit at both the top and bottom of every escalator for exactly this reason.

Transit officials emphasized simple safety steps: hold the handrail, watch loose clothing, and stay extra careful with children or luggage. These everyday precautions, combined with knowing where those stop buttons are, can prevent serious harm.

This good Samaritan proved that being prepared and paying attention to the people around us can make all the difference when seconds count.