A 40-year-old father of two, identified as Steven McCluskey, died after becoming trapped in a malfunctioning escalator at Davis Station in Somerville, Massachusetts, in a tragic incident that unfolded during the early morning commute.
According to authorities, the incident occurred shortly after 5 a.m. on February 27 and is now under investigation.
CCTV Shows Bystanders Walking Past Victim
Security footage reviewed by investigators and local media shows McCluskey collapsed at the bottom of a moving escalator, where his clothing became entangled in the machinery.
The video reportedly shows multiple commuters passing by the scene, with only brief attempts from one individual to assist before moving on.
@cbsnews Newly released surveillance footage shows the harrowing moments before a 40-year-old father of two was fatally stuck on an escalator outside of Boston while commuters walked right by, failing to stop and help. The man, identified as Steven McCluskey, was heading down an escalator on February 27 when he fell and an “article of clothing was caught in the escalator,” the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said in a statement. The MBTA called the incident a “terrible accident,” adding that one of its employees brought the escalator to a stop and notified first responders. The man was taken to a hospital, where he died in March, the MBTA said.
Emergency Response Delayed for Nearly 20 Minutes
Officials say a 911 call was not placed until approximately 18 minutes after the incident began, and the escalator emergency stop button was activated about 22 minutes later by a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority employee.
By the time emergency responders arrived, McCluskey was found without a pulse and later died in hospital 10 days after the accident.
Authorities Describe Severe Injuries From Escalator Mechanism
Firefighters later reported that parts of McCluskey’s clothing and body had become tightly caught in the escalator system, contributing to severe injuries and complications.
Officials have described the incident as a rare but serious mechanical accident, though the exact sequence of events remains under review.
Family Questions Lack of Intervention
McCluskey’s family has raised concerns about why assistance was not provided sooner in such a busy public space.
His sister and mother both questioned the absence of visible station staff and security presence at the time of the emergency.
Remembered as a Devoted Father
Family members described McCluskey as a hardworking carpenter who loved his children and was deeply committed to being present in their lives.
They also acknowledged that he had faced personal struggles in recent years but emphasized his dedication to his family.
Investigation Ongoing
The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including emergency response timing and station safety procedures.
Transit officials have called it a tragic accident and say they are cooperating fully with the inquiry.
