NY Subway Commuters Evacuated After Being Subjected To Fumes, Smoke
Riders at a subway station were evacuated after being exposed to fumes and smoke from an escalator during the morning hours of their commute according to a New York Times article. Authorities investigating the event indicated that the cause appeared to be a burning motor from the escalator at the subway station. Victims compared the odor of the fumes to propane gas and, in some cases, reported difficulty breathing.
Mass incidents like this one can be very dangerous and in some cases lead to serious New York subway accidents. With so many people being adversely affected by an unknown agent, confusion and panic can quickly make a bad situation worse. This accident reportedly occurred during peak morning commute hours and it was not immediately clear from the reports if the smoke inhalation caused any serious medical complications. In many instances, the damage done by foreign agents isn’t immediately visible. It is only after a careful, full medical examination that all of the symptoms and effects come to light.
The family members who were affected by the defective escalator’s motor, would be wise to contact a NY Subway accident attorney to aid in the investigation of the cause and seriousness of this mishap. Questions like what led to the malfunctioning of the escalator’s motor and whether the operators of the subway made reasonable, timely inspections are the types of issues best left to the expertise of New York Subway Accident lawyers like the ones at Wingate, Russotti, and Shaprio. Owners have a duty to perform inspections that are frequently attended by invitees or licensees. It is important to determine the dates of their last inspections (or frequency) in order to assess the extent of their liability. Ultimately, the extent of the injuries suffered by the passengers is a major variable in this case. Although the article reports that passengers suffered minor injuries, the young or elderly might be at greater risk for health complications.
If the City was responsible for the maintenance of the escalator, they will be liable for breaching their duty to make reasonable inspections and discover non-obvious dangerous conditions on the subway premises. If the City is found negligent, they would be responsible for the accident, injuries and losses suffered by the riders. Moreover, not only would the City be liable but also the manufacturer of the elevator motor for manufacturing a defective product.
If you or a loved one has suffered as the result of a subway accident contact the New York Subway Accident Lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro.
