An elderly woman was injured after falling on an escalator at Junction 9 shopping mall in Yishun, Singapore.
The incident reportedly happened at around 4.45pm on 19 August, on an escalator connecting the first and second floors of the mall.
A video shared on Facebook showed the woman lying on her side on the escalator, which appeared to have stopped moving following the incident. Members of the public and first responders were seen attending to her and providing assistance.
Woman reportedly pushing shopping trolley
According to reports, the woman appeared to have sustained an injury to her head. Despite the fall, she remained conscious while people at the scene checked on her condition.
She was later helped into a sitting position as first responders continued attending to her. A shopping trolley could also be seen nearby.
It is believed that the elderly woman had been attempting to push the trolley onto the escalator when she fell. The exact circumstances leading to the accident, including what caused her to lose her balance, were not immediately clear.
The incident highlights the potential risks of using escalators while handling bulky items or shopping trolleys, particularly for elderly shoppers who may have greater difficulty maintaining their balance.
SCDF took injured woman to hospital
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that it received a call for assistance at 18 Yishun Avenue 9 at around 4.45pm on 19 August.
One person was subsequently taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital for further medical attention.
It was not immediately known how serious the woman’s injuries were or whether she required further treatment after arriving at the hospital.
Escalator accidents can result in injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to more serious head, limb or spinal injuries, depending on how a person falls. Elderly users may also face additional risks because of reduced balance and mobility.
Reminder for shoppers using escalators
While escalators are generally a convenient way to move between floors in shopping centres, shoppers are advised to remain cautious when using them.
People carrying large items should ensure they can maintain a firm grip on the handrail and keep both feet securely positioned. Elderly shoppers may also wish to use lifts when carrying heavy or awkward items, particularly if managing a shopping trolley.
Shopping trolleys should also only be used on facilities specifically designed to accommodate them. Attempting to take a trolley onto a conventional escalator can create additional safety risks for both the user and other shoppers.
The incident at Junction 9 serves as a reminder that a momentary loss of balance on an escalator can lead to injuries, especially among older members of the public. Shoppers should take extra care when navigating escalators and consider using lifts where appropriate.