Packed Rome escalator suddenly hurtles downward, causing soccer fans to crash into bottom, injuring many

LONDON -- Dozens of Russian soccer fans have been treated at a hospital in Rome after an escalator seriously malfunctioned at the Repubblica station of the Rome Metro Line A on Tuesday night.

Footage shared on social media showed a packed down-escalator stair hurtling at alarming speed, causing a mound of people to crash at the bottom.

Italian news agency ANSA reported that the most serious injury was to a young man whose foot was so badly mangled he was at risk of amputation, and six more are in serious condition.

Pictures of the aftermath showed the escalator stairs crumpled at the bottom, leaving jagged and exposed metal plates in a spot where the pile of people crashed into each other.

Related Stories

Marta says this will be her final year with Brazil's women's national team

• Apr 26, 6:25 AM

Five surprise teams aim to finish stunning seasons by securing Champions League spot

• Apr 26, 7:34 AM

Chelsea and Lyon bring leads into return legs of Women's Champions League semifinals

• Apr 26, 6:44 AM

At the time, hundreds of soccer fans were traveling to a Champions League match between Italian and Russian teams playing in the group stages.

Witnesses provided conflicting reports of travelers on the escalator singing and dancing or jumping, although some have told Italian media there was no jumping.

Roman authorities have opened an investigation into the accident. The BBC reports that the local transport authority, Atac , has said monthly checks are carried out on transport infrastructure including escalators.