There have been a number of examples of uncontrolled movement of escalator step bands. By uncontrolled movement I mean rolling backwards out of control and they can be compared with lifts rolling away due to the counterweight or car taking over and causing an overhauling situation on a lift where a gearbox or brake failure have occurred.

Recent escalator runaways include:

• February 2014 Cutty Sark Station, London

• 26th March 2017 Mong Kok Shopping Mall, Hong Kong (17 injuries)

• 23rd October 2018 Piazza Della Republica, Rome (20 injuries)

• May 2023 Argyle Street Station, Glasgow

In reality, runaways have been occurring ever since escalators were invented, with some attracting more media attention than others.