Over at the Cherryvale Mall in Rockford, Illinois, the unthinkable happened that has mall-goers shook to the core.

Every time I go to the mall, at least one of the escalators is always down for "maintenance."  I choose the stairs every time, especially after this incident.

Rockford Man's Scalp Almost Torn Off While Riding CherryVale Mall Escalator

On Facebook, Kenneth Luke Steichen posted photos of a blocked off escalator inside Tilted 10 Arcade with "Do Not Enter" barricades.

Kenneth Luke Steichen - FB
Kenneth Luke Steichen - FB
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From the photo above, you'd think the escalator was just broken and wasn't running for mechanical reasons.

Well, here's what actually happened.

WARNING: VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED. GRAPHICS IMAGES FEATURED BELOW MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME VIEWERS.

Kenneth, employee at Tilted 10, wrote on Facebook,

"2 days ago a guy was sitting on the escalator and when it got to the bottom, it caused people to trip over each other. One guy had his hair get caught in the escalator and nearly completely scalp him." [FB]

Kenneth Luke Steichen - FB
Kenneth Luke Steichen - FB
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Absolutely horrifying.  There hasn't been word on the recovery of everybody involved, but we will update you when we have more information.

Kenneth added that a woman passed out, another person broke multiple bones, and another employee saw the man's exposed skull after getting his hair caught in the escalator.

Related: Do You Think CherryVale Mall Is Thriving Or Barely Surviving?

I'm literally speechless after seeing these photos.

Kenneth Luke Steichen - FB
Kenneth Luke Steichen - FB
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Another mall-goer shared this photo on Facebook, too.  A person's jacket and mask can be seen covered in blood on the escalator.  Sad, sad, sad!

Noah J Landry - FB
Noah J Landry - FB
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I can't even imagine being there, or on the escalator, when this all happened.  Apparently, the dried blood is still on the escalator and hasn't been cleaned up yet.

Hopefully, everybody involved is recovering and there are extra measures to ensure safety for all guests going forward.

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