FATALITY PROMPTS PUSH FOR ESCALATOR SIGNS AT AIRPORT

A summer 2018 incident in which a 71-year-old man died as a result of falling on an escalator at Detroit Metro Airport has prompted his family to push for signs warning passengers to take an elevator if they are carrying luggage, Detroit Free Press reports. The man’s three daughters and widow, who have hired an attorney, say signage stating luggage, strollers and wheelchairs are prohibited on escalators could have prevented the accident, and that “the onus is on the airport to inform people that they have options.” The Wayne County Airport Authority says its signage is in compliance with the State of Michigan, which has no law banning suitcases on escalators or requiring signs. Existing decals on the units urge passengers to hold handrails, attend to children, avoid the sides and keep loose clothing and skirts off the steps. The man broke his neck when he fell backward while adjusting a rolling suitcase on the step behind him and died later at a local hospital.