DC Man Dies After Wheelchair Tumbles Down Columbia Heights Metro Station Escalator

WASHINGTON, DC. (THECOUNT) — A disabled man using a wheelchair is dead after tumbling down the Columbia Heights Metro station escalator Wednesday.

The man, who was not immediately identified, attempted to use the escalator at the busy Metro station, while seated in a wheelchair, which caused him to fall backward down the moving staircase, officials say.

The man, who used an electric wheelchair, was in the Northwest D.C. station about 1:30 p.m. According to security camera footage, he initially tried to take the elevator, Stessel said. The man waited for the elevator for 10 to 15 seconds and then headed toward the escalator. He gripped the handrails on either side. But as he ascended, his wheelchair fell backward.source

The man was transported to an area hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead a short time later.

Information on the nature of his injuries was not released immediately.