Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Eleven individuals sustained injuries during a Brewers game at American Family Field due to an escalator malfunction, resulting in fans falling to the ground. The incident occurred at the end of the Saturday game against the Chicago Cubs, around 5:45 p.m.
Six of the injured individuals were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the remaining five received treatment at the scene. Witnesses reported multiple ambulances arriving at the stadium in response to the accident.
The Brewers released a statement acknowledging the malfunction, which caused an escalator transporting fans from the Terrace to Loge Level to experience increased downward speed. On-site medical personnel and emergency services responded promptly to the situation.
The malfunction took place on the escalator between sections 427-425 on the third base side of the upper level. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene with fans plummeting down the escalator, prompting someone to activate the emergency stop button to halt the escalator.
Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski stated that there had been no prior emergencies related to escalator malfunctions at the stadium. American Family Field, operated by the Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District, is subject to ongoing improvements funded by public financing, totaling $500 million over nearly 30 years.
An assessment by Venue Solutions Group highlighted the need for upgrades or replacements to the stadium’s vertical transportation systems, such as escalators and elevators, to ensure continued reliability and safety. The report recommended actions within five years to address potential liabilities and changes in building codes.