Oxford Circus underground station in London was evacuated on 19 July 2022 following reports of smoke from the escalator machine room. The London Fire Brigade was called in response and the station was closed as a precaution.

This was likely a result of the UK’s extreme heatwave, with areas of the country reaching 40.2C, causing TFL urging the public not to travel. Several tube lines were suspended as a result of the heat, causing severe delays.

This illustrates the impact that the heat is having on the lift and escalator industry, amongst many others, and could affect future approaches to their manufacture.