Escalator Malfunction at the Gershwin Theatre Leaves 12 People Injured

Eleven children and one adult were injured Wednesday evening following an escalator malfunction at the Gershwin Theatre, CBS News reports. The theatre, located at 222 West 51st St., has been home to the Broadway production of Wicked since 2003.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:12 p.m. as audiences were beginning to arrive for the evening performance of Wicked. According to police, the electrical escalator suddenly jolted unexpectedly, causing several passengers to be thrown forward. The malfunction allegedly occurred after a child’s shoelace got caught.

All twelve injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals with minor injuries.  Despite the incident, theatre operations resumed later in the evening, with performances of Wicked continuing as scheduled at 7pm.

The New York City Department of Buildings confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Read the original story on CBS News.

Currently the 4th longest-running show in Broadway history, Wicked is in its 23rd year on Broadway. The Broadway sensation examines what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “Wicked.”

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman.  The production is directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello with musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento.  Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.