Dhaka, Dec 18: An escalator at BRAC University in Dhaka abruptly accelerated due to an apparent technical malfunction, causing panic among students and leading to a brief pile-up on campus, according to video footage widely circulated on social media.
A 16-second clip shows two adjacent escalators operating at sharply different speeds, with one moving normally while the other suddenly surges forward without warning. Students stepping onto the faster escalator are seen losing balance, clutching handrails and rushing to exit at the landing.
Shouts and screams can be heard in the video as several riders struggle to maintain footing, creating momentary chaos in the university building. No serious injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.
The video has attracted close to 800,000 views on X and has been shared by multiple news organisations, prompting online discussions about campus safety and the maintenance of mechanical infrastructure at educational institutions.
Social media users raised concerns over the reliability of the escalator system, with some suggesting possible overloading or mechanical failure. However, no official cause has been confirmed.
As of December 18, BRAC University had not issued a formal statement explaining the malfunction or outlining the safety checks and corrective measures being taken.
The incident has renewed calls for regular safety inspections and preventive maintenance of escalators and other mechanical systems in public and educational facilities.
