The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is under scrutiny for not promptly reporting a tragic incident where a man died after an escalator accident at the Davis Square T station in Somerville. The oversight agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), were unaware of the incident until a media investigation brought it to light.
Incident Details and Response
On February 27, Steven McCluskey fell at the bottom of an escalator just before 5 a.m. Surveillance footage revealed that more than 20 minutes passed before a T employee stopped the escalator. During this time, over a dozen commuters walked by without taking action. First responders found McCluskey with his clothing constricting his neck and without a pulse. It took over half an hour to free him from the escalator and transport him to the hospital.
Despite the severity of the incident, the MBTA did not notify the DPU or FTA within the required two-hour window. The DPU only became aware of the fatality after NBC10’s investigation on May 12. In response, the DPU issued a directive on May 14, instructing the MBTA to create a corrective action plan to improve incident reporting.
MBTA’s Position and Ongoing Investigations
MBTA General Manager Phil Eng explained that first responders had revived McCluskey’s pulse, and he was transported to the hospital alive, which contributed to the notification delay. Eng expressed condolences to McCluskey’s family and acknowledged the need to improve reporting protocols. The DPU has opened its own investigation and requested records from the MBTA.
McCluskey’s death certificate indicates he passed away on March 9, and the case remains open with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, pending a cause of death determination from the medical examiner. Meanwhile, the MBTA has begun displaying warnings about escalator safety and is producing a public service announcement about emergency stop buttons.
A public vigil organized by Somerville residents is scheduled for June 1 outside the Davis Square T station to honor McCluskey and raise awareness about escalator safety.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
