CAUGHT ON CAMERA | Shocking Video Shows People Passing Man Fatally Caught in Subway Escalator

REPORT (NBC10): This video investigates the tragic death of 40-year-old Steven McCluskey, who died after being trapped at the bottom of an escalator at the MBTA’s Davis Station in Somerville on February 27th (0:13, 1:36).

His family is demanding accountability, questioning why it took so long for help to arrive and why passersby did not intervene sooner (0:16, 2:12).

Key findings from the investigation:

The Incident: Surveillance footage shows McCluskey losing his balance and falling at the bottom of the escalator at approximately 5:00 a.m. (1:42).

Public Response: For over 20 minutes, numerous commuters passed by; while some briefly looked or attempted minimal assistance, many continued on without calling for help (2:31-2:55).

Emergency Response: A 911 call was finally made 18 minutes after the fall, and an MBTA worker pressed the emergency stop button over 22 minutes after the incident began (3:04, 3:24).

The Outcome: When first responders arrived, they found McCluskey with severe injuries; he was transported to Mass General Hospital, where he passed away 10 days later (4:05, 4:32).

Expert Insight and Ongoing Investigation:

Escalator Expert: States that the MBTA had a duty to maintain safety and that the response time was unacceptable (3:34, 3:43).

Public Safety Takeaway: The video emphasizes that emergency stop buttons are available for public use and that taking a moment to intervene could potentially save a life (5:57, 6:07).

Official Status: The Middlesex District Attorney’s office has an open investigation into the incident, and they are awaiting a ruling from the medical examiner regarding the cause and manner of death (6:10).