Elderly Accidents: Risks of Walking Aids on Escalators

Elderly people's reliance on walking aids leads to escalator accidents, posing a safety risk in Japan and Korea.

### Accidents on Escalators Involving Elderly People Using Walking Aids
* 🚶 Elderly people often rely on walking aids when going out, but recent accidents in Japan and Korea have occurred due to these walking aids on **escalators**.
* 🇯🇵 In Japan, an 80-year-old woman fell on an escalator, getting stuck in the handrail and losing her balance due to **not properly holding the handrail** while using a walking aid.
* 🇰🇷 In Korea, a man in his 70s caused an accident on an escalator in Busan by **getting his wheel stuck at the end of the escalator** while pushing a handcart.
* 👴 According to the Elevator Association, out of 13 cases of escalator accidents, **60% involved elderly people aged 60 or older**.
* 🚫 For safety, experts recommend that elderly people do not ride escalators while **pulling a wheeled walker**.
* 📰 "Accidents on escalators involving elderly people using walking aids" are a **growing concern** in both Japan and Korea.

Elderly people who are physically uncomfortable often rely on walking aids when going out. Recently, in Japan, accidents resulting in fatalities occurred due to these walking aids. This is Tokyo correspondent Jung Won-seok. Last March, a new supermarket opened in Nishi-Tokyo City. Near the escalator leading down to the store, there was a blue curtain hanging, and paramedics were gathered. On the 12th, an 80-year-old woman who was on the escalator fell, getting stuck in the handrail, losing her balance, and falling on the escalator steps. Due to the building structure, to use the elevator, one had to go up the stairs or go outside the building. On the same day, some people said they didn't use the elevator. According to the Elevator Association, out of the 13 cases, 60% were accidents involving elderly people aged 60 or older. Most of them did not properly hold the handrail while using walking aids, causing them to fall. Korea is no exception.

No, in January of this year in Busan, a man in his 70s who was pushing a handcart got his wheel stuck at the end of the escalator, causing five people behind him to fall as well. Experts recommend not riding escalators while pulling a wheeled walker for safety. This is JTBC News. Thank you for watching JTBC News. We will see you at 6:50 PM in the Newsroom.

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Accidents Involving Elderly People and Walking Aids in Japan

Fatal accidents in Japan have recently occurred due to elderly people using walking aids.

In Nishi-Tokyo City, an 80-year-old woman fell on an escalator, highlighting the lack of elevator accessibility.

The Elevator Association reported that 60% of the 13 cases were accidents involving elderly individuals who did not properly use handrails while using walking aids.

Escalator Accident in Busan Caused by Man with Handcart

A man in his 70s caused an escalator accident in Busan, leading to five people falling.

Experts advise against riding escalators with a wheeled walker for safety reasons.

This is a JTBC News update, with the next broadcast at 6:50 PM.