Person in hospital after falling down Doncaster Interchange escalator

Emergency services were called to the escalator which connects the Interchange to the Frenchgate shopping centre yesterday afternoon after a person fell.

The escalator has been out of order for a number of weeks but is still in use for shoppers and bus travellers to use as a set of stairs.

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: “We received an emergency call at 3.23pm yesterday (10 November) to report a person who had fallen on an escalator at the Frenchgate shopping centre in Doncaster.

"An ambulance was dispatched to the scene and one patient was conveyed to hospital.”

Last week, calls were made for action over the broken, litter strewn escalator over fears of a potential accident.

The escalator has been out of order for more than three weeks and while it is still open to use as stairs, users say it is regularly covered in litter – including drinks cans and food wrappers, which they say are dangerous trip hazards.

One said: “Christmas is coming so footfall will be higher and with the escalator not going down, litter is accumulating making it a trip hazard.

“I use the station maybe two to three times a week and there's no barrier stopping use, there's no signage up, the litter on it is terrible, you never see a cleaner on them.”

Yesterday’s fall follows an incident in October 2023 when Doncaster man Neil Anderson was left in a coma after suffering serious injuries after tumbling all the way down the escalator.

Upset family member Sam Menzies said Mr Anderson, from Edlington was ‘declared dead’ at the scene – but was resuscitiated before being taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary where he was put in an induced coma.

A family member said: "He fell from the top to the bottom, it was an horrific fall. He suffered a cardiac arrest, bleeding from his eyes, nose and head and was choking.”

After concerns were raised about the state of the escalator last week, a Doncaster Interchange spokesperson said: “The escalator underwent routine servicing on 13 October, during which the attending engineers identified components requiring remedial work.

"In the interest of public safety, the equipment was immediately isolated and secured.

"Until the necessary quotations are received and the subsequent repairs are authorised and completed, the escalator will remain stationary and available for use as steps to ensure continued public access.

“Due to the age of the escalator units, we are currently assessing long-term solutions, which may include full refurbishment or replacement.

“Our housekeeping team conduct frequent inspections and cleaning throughout the day to minimise and potential hazards and to maintain a safe environment for all users.

“We appreciate the public’s continued patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety, reliability and long-term quality of our facilities.”

We have contacted the Interchange for further comment on yesterday’s incident.