Investigation Underway After Steven McCluskey, 40, Father of Two, Died After Being Caught in Escalator at the MBTA’s Davis Station
SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS (May 15, 2026) – A 40-year-old father identified as Steven McCluskey has tragically died after becoming trapped by an escalator at the MBTA’s Davis Station.
Middlesex County officials are saying that the accident took place in the early morning hours of February 27. Steven McCluskey was descending down the escalator when he fell at the base before becoming entangled in the escalator.
He lay there for roughly 18 minutes before any person called 911, even as more than a dozen people walked by him. It was 22 minutes before an MBTA employee pushed the emergency button to stop the escalator.
Paramedics and first responders were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. The victim was eventually freed before being transported to the hospital.
Despite life-saving measures, Steven McCluskey died 10 days later at the hospital. His family says that surveillance footage of the accident makes it clear that this incident was preventable.
His mother and sister are pushing for accountability on the part of the MBTA and local officials. The district attorney is continuing their investigation.
Liability for Somerville Escalator Accidents
Losing a loved one in a preventable accident is a tragedy no family should endure, and the path to recovery emotionally and legally should never be faced alone. At DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we believe families affected by escalator accidents and other serious injuries deserve compassionate support and access to the resources they need to seek accountability and rebuild their lives. By sharing Steven’s story, we hope to connect others facing similar tragedies with experienced legal guidance and independent investigation to help ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
The MBTA and other property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. In particular, the MBTA is considered a common carrier and is thus held to the highest standards of care for protecting riding passengers. This necessitates that all escalators at a property be periodically inspected and well maintained according to manufacturer specifications. If a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on their premises, they must take action. The failure to mitigate a dangerous condition at a property prior to an accident could serve as evidence of negligence. There are a number of potential safety issues with an escalator that could contribute to an accident.
- Broken Components: An escalator may have missing, broken, or loose comb plates that could potentially snag clothing and trap passengers.
- Handrails: An escalator’s handrail may be defective if it moves faster than the steps of the escalator. This could easily cause a rider to lose balance.
- Damaged Steps: An escalator may have damaged steps or cracked threads that could potentially cause a rider to lose their balance.
- Landing Area: An escalator may have an obstructed landing area that prevents riders from being able to safely exit the escalator.
The MBTA has faced a number of lawsuits over the years after people have been injured in escalator accidents. Consider, for example, the tragic death of Helen Jackson. In that case, the 82-year-old plaintiff died after a piece of her clothing became trapped at the top of the moving MBTA escalator at the State Street Station. Bystanders were eventually able to free her, but she later became unresponsive and died due to the severity of her injuries. Attorneys representing her family argued that the MBTA was negligent for failing to properly maintain and monitor the escalator, especially given prior incidents at the same location.
4 Steps to Take After A Massachusetts Escalator Accident
Escalators can seem deceptively safe, but many people are injured in escalator accidents each year. According to The Center for Construction Research and Training, “In 2001, the CPSC estimated that there are 6,000 hospital emergency room-treated injuries associated with escalators each year (CPSC 2001). The CPSC estimated that 75% of the escalator injuries resulted from falls, 20% from entrapment at the bottom or top of an escalator or between a moving stair and escalator sidewall, and 5% of the incidents were categorized as “other,” including sudden stops of the escalator and reversal of direction.” Certain actions should be taken after any escalator accident.
- Medical Records: All of the medical records related to personal injury should be sought. The nature of a person’s injuries can help reveal how the accident took place.
- Surveillance Footage: Any surveillance footage that may have captured the accident should be collected and carefully reviewed.
- Maintenance Records: All of the records related to the upkeep of an escalator should be scrutinized. In certain cases, outside companies may be responsible for performing maintenance on the escalator.
- Independent Investigation: The family of any person who died in an escalator accident should seek an independent review by a team experienced in negligence claims.
Escalator accidents are often highly complex. Liability can come in many different forms and from many different sources. It matters whether or not an escalator was routinely inspected and maintained. The actions of staff in the aftermath of an accident are also important. However, property owners are not the only ones responsible for ensuring escalator safety. Many companies contract with outside maintenance providers to inspect and maintain escalators. The family of any person who died in an escalator accident is able to seek some measure of accountability and transparency through a wrongful death claim.
Injured on an Escalator? How our Massachusetts Attorneys Can Help
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Steven McCluskey. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should’ve never taken place. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. What was security doing after this accident? When was the last time this escalator was maintained? Is there a history of similar accidents or close calls at this location?
Do you need more information about a Somerville escalator accident? Our team of experienced escalator accident investigators is here for you. We are deeply knowledgeable of the factors and statutes related to escalator accidents. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular accident, we are here to serve your needs. You are always welcome to contact us anytime at (855)342-3552.
