CTTO/CNN
Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Eleven people were injured at American Family Field on Saturday when an escalator malfunctioned following the Milwaukee Brewers’ game against the Chicago Cubs.
The incident occurred as fans were moving from the Terrace to the Loge Level of the stadium. The escalator suddenly increased in speed, causing chaos among the passengers. “The escalator was moving fans from the Terrace to Loge Level of the stadium when it malfunctioned, resulting in an increased downward speed,” the Brewers said in a statement on Saturday.
Out of the eleven injured, five were treated at the ballpark while six others were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, the team confirmed.
Greg Braggs Jr., who was among those injured, described the terrifying experience. “We all were leaving the stadium from the upper deck. Got on the escalator. It was loaded, front to back,” Braggs told CNN. “It shook and made a sound that scared everyone and then it just gave way, turning into an out-of-control roller coaster.”
As the escalator accelerated, people began toppling over each other, with many screaming in panic. “Some elderly people were injured very badly and trampled over,” Braggs recalled. He tried to help a woman in front of him, but both were knocked down when they reached the bottom of the escalator.
The Milwaukee Police Department has been contacted for more information regarding the incident.
The Brewers expressed their gratitude for the quick response of their onsite physician and emergency medical services. “Our onsite physician and EMS were on the scene immediately, and we are appreciative of their quick response,” the team stated.
The Brewers lost to the Cubs 5-3 on Saturday. Both teams are scheduled to play again on Sunday at 2:10 p.m. ET.
