Atlanta, GA, July 29, 2025
News Summary
A malfunction at the Vine City MARTA station injured 21 people following a Beyoncé concert at the nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Missing drive belts and an influx of concertgoers led to an escalator operating at an unsafe speed. Eyewitness accounts describe panic and chaos, resulting in injuries predominantly to feet and legs. Medical services were on the scene, treating the injured, with some requiring hospitalization. MARTA officials are investigating the incident, which has left the escalator out of service.
Atlanta, Georgia – A malfunction at the Vine City MARTA station left 21 people injured following a concert by Beyoncé at the nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 15, 2023. The incident is first believed to have stemmed from a combination of missing drive belts in the escalator’s motors and a high volume of passengers.
A report from the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner revealed that four drive belts were absent from the escalator—three from the top drive motor and one from the bottom drive motor. It remains uncertain whether the belts were missing prior to the incident or if they dislodged during the rush of concertgoers leaving the venue.
The escalator, overwhelmed by a surge of concert attendees, reached an “over-normal operating speed condition,” which led to the injury incidents. Eyewitness accounts indicated that panic ensued within the station after one person began screaming and running, causing a chaotic rush toward the escalator. Amid the heightened commotion, the escalator initially accelerated before stopping abruptly, resulting in multiple falls from unsteady passengers.
Medical assistance was dispatched promptly to the scene, transporting eight individuals to local hospitals. Among those treated, seven sustained cuts and scrapes, while another individual suffered a broken ankle. Although a total of 21 people reported some form of injury, most incidents predominantly affected their feet and legs.
In particular, a family of four who attended the concert shared their experience, noting that there was no significant push or stampede, describing the flow of people as normal while they used the escalator. Recovery efforts for those injured have included various fates, such as bruised limbs, broken bones, and torn ligaments.
Experts specializing in escalator safety, including Anthony Boom and Dennis Olson, suggested that mechanical issues such as a potential brake malfunction might also have played a role in the escalator’s failure to halt correctly during the incident. Despite this, MARTA officials confirmed that the escalator received routine maintenance just days before the accident, maintaining that the only issue appeared to be the excessive load it was handling at the time of the malfunction.
Rhonda Allen, MARTA’s interim CEO, pointed out that aside from the overload, there were no apparent issues with the escalator itself. Various officials, including Councilmember Byron Amos, referred to the cascade of events as “an unfortunate accident,” acknowledging the significant role played by the large number of individuals present.
Currently, the escalator remains out of service and is undergoing repairs. MARTA has indicated that another inspection will take place before it is reinstated for public use. Further comments from MARTA have been limited due to potential legal claims regarding the incident.
FAQ
What caused the escalator malfunction at Vine City MARTA station?
The malfunction was attributed to missing drive belts from the escalator’s motors and a high volume of passengers leaving a concert, which created an over-normal operating speed condition.
How many people were injured in the incident?
A total of 21 individuals reported injuries, with eight requiring treatment at local hospitals, and the injuries primarily affecting their feet and legs.
Is the escalator currently operational?
No, the escalator is currently shut down for repairs and will undergo further inspection before being returned to service.
What are the next steps for MARTA following this incident?
MARTA is conducting repairs and inspections on the escalator. Further public comment has been limited due to ongoing legal considerations relating to the incident.
Incident Overview
| Date | July 15, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location | Vine City MARTA Station, Atlanta, GA |
| Event | Beyoncé Concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Injuries Reported | 21 individuals |
| Treated at Hospitals | 8 individuals |
| Injury Types | Cuts, scrapes, broken ankle, bruising |
| Escalator Status | Under repair and inspection |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
