Atlanta councilmember demands investigation after Beyonce concert fans stampede as escalator malfunctions at MARTA station

ATLANTA — Atlanta City Councilmember Marci Overstreet is demanding a comprehensive investigation into an escalator that malfunctioned at MARTA’s Vine City Station, prompting a stampede as fans were leaving Beyoncé’s final Cowboy Carter concert at the Mercedes Benz Stadium.

The incident happened around midnight on July 15. Authorities said at least 11 people were injured when the escalator abruptly sped up, then stopped, causing a stampede at Vine City Station, Overstreet stated. 

Witnesses reported that a person screamed, triggering panic. The escalator sped up, then halted, sending dozens tumbling and piling on top of one another. Injuries include one broken ankle, several sprains and contusions; seven were hospitalized, authorities said.

Overstreet, who serves as vice chair of the City Council’s Transportation Committee, said MARTA has faced recurring escalator and elevator issues over decades. A $40 million modernization program launched in 2015 remains incomplete.

“This incident was a near‑catastrophe. Dozens could have been seriously hurt—or worse,” said Overstreet. “We don’t know the names of those hurt, but I hope that at the least MARTA is checking in on these people. One thing I do know: Our city must

understand exactly what went wrong to ensure this never happens again.”

Overstreet says she supports MARTA’s investigation but insists it must be fully transparent, public, and accountable. Specifically, Overstreet is calling for clarity and accountability in the following areas:

• Escalator inspection & maintenance history: When was this escalator last inspected? Was it part of the 2015 modernization plan?
• Cause of abrupt speed-up and stoppage: Was this due to mechanical malfunction, sensor error, load capacity exceeded, or operator control?
• Crowd safety & control measures: How many people were on the escalator? Were crowd management practices adequate for the post-concert environment?
• System-wide risk analysis: Have other escalators at other stations shown signs of similar risk or near-misses?

“We just had the All-Star game here Tuesday night, and with so many more major events coming to Atlanta, including the FIFA World Cup next year, the Super Bowl in 2028, and the NCAA Final Four in 2031, we must work to ensure we develop stronger transit safety protocols,”

said Overstreet.

MARTA has stated that it is investigating the incident.