A criminal case has been opened in connection with an incident at a Reutov shopping center that left a four-year-old girl without three fingers on her hand. The authorities, specifically the Main Investigative Directorate of the Moscow Region, announced the investigation on their Telegram channel, outlining the steps being taken to determine what happened and who may be responsible.
The event occurred inside the Chocolate shopping center in Reutov. According to officials, a family was riding an escalator when the young child lost balance and fell. During the fall, her hand came into contact with the moving parts of the escalator, resulting in severe injuries that required urgent medical attention.
Video and timing data from the Telegram channel indicated that the escalator was stopped about ten seconds after the incident, and emergency services transported the child to a hospital for treatment. Medical staff reported that three of the child’s fingers were crushed and had to be amputated to save her life and prevent further complications.
In cases involving minors who suffer injuries, regional authorities say they will conduct a thorough inquiry. The regional Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case under provisions related to the provision of services that do not meet established safety requirements. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances of the incident, evaluate the safety measures in place, and assess whether any violations contributed to the injury.
Authorities emphasize the importance of escalator safety and proper supervision of children in public spaces. This incident follows a previous report from Primorye, where a 10-year-old boy nearly lost his leg after a fall on an escalator. Such cases highlight the ongoing need for robust safety protocols, clear warning signage, and vigilant supervision in busy shopping areas to prevent similar injuries in the future.
Overall, investigators are compiling evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses to establish a complete timeline. The goal is to determine whether there were lapses in maintenance, operation, or safety compliance that could be linked to the injuries. In the meantime, the family and the community await findings and any recommendations that could improve safety standards in public venues.