State Finds Emergency Systems Failed in Bellevue Square Macy's Escalator Accident

A Bellevue Square Macy's escalator that broke down, injuring seven shoppers in December, wasn't up to 32 of the state's codes, according to a Department of Labor and Industries investigation that concluded today.

According to the investigators, three of the escalator's safety-stop systems failed when a loose panel skirt snagged on the moving stairway, jamming it and breaking the escalator's chains, causing the stairway to pile on itself between the ground and first floors of Macy's on Dec. 6. 

The escalator stopped only after a passer-by pressed the manual stop button, the L&I press release stated.

That evening, just after the popular Snowflake Lane show that attracts tourists and holiday shoppers, the escalator at Macy's Bellevue Way entrance folded on itself at the top of the steps. Initially, it was reported that four people, including two children, suffered minor injuries, but L&I reports that seven people were injured.

Twitter user Daniel Kao shared a photo of the malfunction right after it occurred.

According to Bellevue Collection officials at the time, the escalator that broke down has been in the Bellevue Square Macy's since it was built in 1982.

Fifteen of the 32 code violations were directly related to the accident, according to L&I.

Among the violations were failure maintain the escalator to code and failure to conduct its required annual safety test in April 2012. The investigation showed that maintenance contractor Schindler did not do the regular maintenance and safety checks that would have prevented the accident, according to the state.

The escalator remains red-tagged and out of operation until all code violations have been fixed.

“This is a public safety issue,” said Jose Rodriguez, Assistant Director for Field Services and Public Safety in a prepared statement. “L&I will hold this company accountable for its maintenance responsibilities.  We are looking for a commitment from Schindler that it will do what the law requires to keep our citizens safe whenever they step onto an escalator or elevator.” 

From the state's press release:

Rodriguez said L&I will now require the company to clearly outline the steps it will take to bring all of the escalators and elevators it maintains up to the state’s safety codes, and will be continually monitoring the company to ensure it carries out the corrective actions.  If the company fails to do so, L&I has the authority to suspend or revoke the company’s license to operate in the Washington.

Soon after the Bellevue Square malfunction, L&I ordered Macy’s and Schindler to conduct internal safety inspections of the mall’s three other escalators with state inspectors present.  Those checks also revealed numerous safety problems, which were fixed before they went back into operation.