Escalator Halted After Child’s Toes Are Hurt

Government officials have ordered temporary shutdown of an escalator at a shopping center in Kota Bharu, Malaysia, after a young girl’s toes were stuck in one of the moving ride’s steps, The Edge Markets reports. The 3-year-old girl was riding a supermarket escalator on January 7 when her toes got caught in the steps. She was taken to a hospital for treatment, but the extent of her injuries was not reported. The Kelantan Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) ordered the facility’s escalators be shut down for up to two weeks so the machines can be repaired and the owners can guarantee their safety. Kelantan DOSH director Abdul Aziz Salim said owners could face legal action if problems are found. He added that all shoppers, especially parents of young children, should always monitor escalator rides. He also urged supermarket management to take precautionary measures, such as posting warning signs and making announcements urging the public to be aware of safety measures.