Warning about Crocs shoes and escalator accidents

The increasingly popular colourful 'Crocs' have come under fire because they have apparently been the cause of a number of escalator accidents involving young children.

It seems the soft, lightweight, plastic clogs which are made from synthetic resin, are easily caught in the cracks of an escalator and children as young as 2 years have suffered serious toe and foot injuries as a result.

Apparently Crocs were originally designed as a boating shoe because of their non-marking, slip-resistant soles.

Subway officials at Washington, D.C. say incidents of trapped Crocs are happening so often that they have erected signs warning travelers not to wear such shoes on escalators; though Crocs are not mentioned by name, the warnings feature a picture of a crocodile.

Authorities too at Atlanta airport say they have had five recent accidents involving the shoes.

Crocs say their shoes are completely safe, and suggest that the rising number of accidents may be down to poorly maintained escalators.