Shanghai escalator injures 38

Dozens of people were taken to hospital after an escalator in Shanghai's troubled subway suddenly reversed direction, sending morning rush hour commuters flying in all directions, local press reports said yesterday.

The incident occurred on Monday at the Xinzhuang Station on Shanghai's number one line, the Shanghai Daily reported.

A total of 38 people were hospitalised, but only one woman remained in hospital yesterday.

The cause of the accident was under investigation, the paper said.