EMS workers and paramedics tended to the youngster, who was then taken to Hackensack University Medical Center with what Paramus Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg said were serious injuries to her lower right leg and foot.
Ehrenberg said the girl’s “lower right leg had become trapped in the landing section at the top of the escalator onthe main level of Macys” around 11:10 a.m.
“Police officers, rescue workers and several civilians dismantled the landing area of the escalator to remove her leg,” the chief said.
“Witnesses reported to police that they observed the victim riding up the escalator with her mother and younger brother, from the basement level to the main level, when it appeared that the escalator swallowed her foot” as she reached the top,” Ehrenberg said.
“At that point, a bystander pressed the emergency stop button which shut down the escalator.”
Building inspectors and police are investigating the incident.
Other media incorrectly reported earlier that the girl is 10.
Neither Macy’s nor the mall’s parent company, Westfield, have commented.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Hackensack and receive free news updates.