1 dead, 28 injured in Beijing subway escalator accident

A Beijing subway station escalator suddenly lost control this morning and threw more than 30 riders off their feet, causing one dead and 28 others injured, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The incident happened at 9:36 a.m. at the A exit of the Zoo Station on Metro Line 4. Beijing MTR Corporation, which operates the subway, said the incident forced the closure of one of the station's three exits. Those who were injured were sent to a nearby hospital. And the cause of the accident is still under investigation.

According to photos posted by witnesses on microblogs on weibo.com, several people were seen lying on the ground -- apparently after falling down from the escalator -- and were helped by others. Blood can be seen on the floor.

The government has demanded a probe into the accident while asking all subway operators to immediately launch checks of facilities to ensure the safety.

Opened to service in September 2009, subway Line 4 connects Peking University, Renmin University, Xidan and Beijing South Railway Station.

Several people were seen lying on the ground -- apparently after falling down from the escalator -- and were helped by others. Blood can be seen on the floor.