A teenage boy was killed and 30 people were injured at the Beijing Zoo station on Line 4 on Tuesday when an ascending escalator suddenly started moving in the opposite direction. Though no on can guarantee a "zero-accident" system, authorities should take measures to raise the operational standard of the subways to the highest possible level because they carry millions of commuters every day, says an article in Beijing News. Excerpts:

The Beijing subway accident has reminded us of a similar tragedy in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, last December. Coincidentally, both escalators were made by OTIS. That the two accidents occurred within a span of just over six months should put the subway operation department on alert.

Since subways have played (and continue to play) a very important role in cites' transportation system, their operators should test every machinery to the last detail at regular intervals and eliminate all safety hazards.

Besides, the ongoing expansion of the subway system in Beijing will create more safety risks. So Tuesday's accident should be a warning for the safety management department to swing into action and rule out potential dangers.

The Beijing bureau of quality and technical supervision has issued an urgent notice to carry out safety tests on escalators and moving sidewalks for potential safety hazards. But it is more important that relevant departments conduct a thorough investigation into the Line 4 operators and OTIS products immediately and deal with them as the law demands.

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