Off topic, but related. When I was a little kid, the toe of my rubber rain boot got stuck in the top of the escalator (I must of dragged my feet when stepping off). My mom held on to me and pulled, and thankfully the tip of the rubber boot ripped off and allowed me to go free. Years later, a friend of mine had the rubber tip of her sneaker get caught in the escalator as she tried to step off. Same thing happened and she was able to free herself when the tip of her sneaker ripped off. Her toes were bruised, but intact.
These kind of accidents can happen-- whether in a work situation or just in a personal one -- like shopping with your mom. Workers (students or hired employees) should be taught how to use equipment safely and properly and should never operate equipment while alone. Bless this poor girl-- I hope she did not suffer too much.