A man’s death after becoming entangled in a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) escalator in Somerville has been attributed to brain injuries sustained from strangulation by his clothing. Steven McCluskey, 40, died from “hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy following asphyxia by strangulation,” according to his death certificate. This medical terminology indicates that his brain suffered severe damage due to a critical lack of oxygen and blood flow.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The incident occurred on February 27 at the Davis Square station. McCluskey was reportedly riding an escalator when he stumbled and fell near the base of the machine. His clothing became ensnared in the escalator’s moving parts, leading to a restriction of his airway and preventing him from breathing.
Surveillance footage from the station captured the moments following McCluskey’s fall. The video showed other passengers passing by, seemingly unaware of the severity of his distress. It took over 20 minutes from the time of the fall for an MBTA employee to arrive and activate an emergency override, bringing the escalator to a halt.
Medical Explanation of Death
Dr. Knarik Arkun, director of neuropathology and autopsy services at Tufts Medical Center, explained the fatal consequences of the prolonged oxygen deprivation. “The longer the brain suffers a no-oxygen injury, the harder to recover,” Dr. Arkun stated. She likened the mechanism to strangulation, noting that the lack of blood flow to the brain is what ultimately proved fatal. “It’s going to be basically like a strangulation, like someone putting a string around your neck and pulling it. And there’s not much you can do,” she added.
MBTA Response and Safety Measures
In the aftermath of the incident and following an investigation, the MBTA has initiated public service announcements. These advisories aim to educate riders about the potential dangers of loose clothing getting caught in escalators and to highlight the location of emergency stop buttons. The transit authority is emphasizing the importance of rider awareness and vigilance.
MBTA General Manager Phil Eng described the event as a “tragedy.” He acknowledged the unfortunate nature of McCluskey’s passing and reiterated the paramount importance of safety and system reliability. When questioned about staffing levels, Eng suggested that while more personnel might not have directly prevented this specific incident, increased vigilance from the public could be crucial.
“This is where we need the public to support us,” Eng urged. “Help one another. Speak up. Let us know, alert us to it. That’s the way we can not only make sure riders are safe, but one day, you might need that help.”
Escalator Safety Concerns and Statistics
The death of Steven McCluskey has brought renewed attention to escalator safety within the MBTA system. Public records indicate a significant number of escalator-related injuries. Since the beginning of 2025 through mid-May 2026, there have been over 250 reported escalator injuries at MBTA stations. Of these, 67 incidents required the injured individuals to seek immediate medical treatment.
The MBTA serves an estimated 800,000 to 900,000 riders monthly, highlighting the extensive use of its transit infrastructure, including its escalators.
Family’s Reaction and Investigation
Shannon Flaherty, Steven McCluskey’s sister, reviewed the surveillance footage of the incident. She expressed profound distress over the time it took for help to arrive. “Regardless of what his cause of death was, nobody should be there for 18 minutes, unconscious, being strangled by their own clothes, not able to yell for help,” Flaherty stated, emphasizing the perceived delay in response.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is currently conducting an investigation into McCluskey’s death. The MBTA has stated its commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing inquiry.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Steven McCluskey underscores the potential hazards associated with escalator mechanisms and the critical importance of timely intervention in emergencies. The MBTA is taking steps to enhance rider awareness and is cooperating with official investigations, while the incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for vigilance and prompt response in public transit environments.
