"Do Not Run Inside Subway Stations!"

Seoul Metro Implements Comprehensive Measures to Reduce Slip and Fall Accidents in Stations
597 Slip and Fall Accidents Occurred in Stations Over the Past Five Years, Accounting for 25% of All Incidents

Seoul Metro announced that a total of 597 slip and fall accidents (including those caused by passenger negligence) occurred within station premises over the past five years (2020 to 2024). This amounts to an annual average of 119 cases, or approximately 10 cases per month.

Slip and fall accidents within station premises over the past five years (a total of 597 cases) accounted for 25% of all 2,387 accidents. The main causes were categorized as alcohol consumption, running, and collisions.

Of these, accidents involving slips and falls on stairs or escalators resulted in 275 cases, which is 46% of all slip and fall accidents.

In particular, many accidents occur when passengers miss their step while running on stairs or using escalators to transfer trains at transfer stations. Accidents also frequently happen during rush hours when passengers, after seeing train arrival information displayed on destination boards, rush up or down stairs to catch a train. Such incidents could potentially lead to major accidents, so passengers are urged to exercise special caution.

# In June 2024, Mr. A suffered an ankle fracture after missing his step and falling while running down the internal stairs at Apgujeong Station on Line 3. He was hurrying to board the train after hearing the train doors open and seeing the train arrival information on the destination board.

The company is working to reduce slip and fall accidents within station premises by identifying and managing locations that require focused attention based on accident data.

First, the company regularly conducts public campaigns to reduce slip and fall accidents, broadcasting safety announcements intensively during peak accident hours. In addition, safety videos to prevent slip and fall accidents are displayed on destination boards to inform subway users of safety guidelines.

Along with these efforts, the company has deployed Senior Elevator Safety Teams (582 members at 49 stations) and Subway Safety Assistants (144 members at 39 stations) at major congested stations to respond quickly in case of unusual situations, working to prevent the spread of safety accidents.

Ma Haekeun, Head of the Operations Division at Seoul Metro, said, "Running on stairs or escalators inside the subway can easily lead to major accidents, so I strongly urge everyone not to run and to strictly follow safety guidelines," adding, "I ask that citizens and the company work together to create a safe and convenient subway environment."