HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — A 64-year-old woman in a wheelchair died one day after she fell backwards down the escalator at the Hollywood/Highland Metro Red Line station on Tuesday.
Brenda Carter and her attendant used the escalator because the elevator was out of service.
KCAL9’s Carter Evans said train operators are supposed to make an announcement if the elevators do not work. In addition, there should be a statement over the PA system, as well as a sign at the elevator door.
Metro officials, who declined an on-camera interview about the incident, are investigating to see if proper procedure was followed.
Autumn Elliott, a disability rights attorney, said access to mass transit in Los Angeles continues to be a big problem for people with disabilities.
“The city and transit authority simply have to make reducing the barriers to accessibility in transportation much more of a priority,” she said.
As for the elevator situation, Elliott said, “If the elevators don’t work, they might as well not be there.”
