Police: US man 'fooling around' on escalator falls to death at mall

A man who was apparently "fooling around" and riding an escalator rail lost his balance and fell to his death at a Rhode Island mall.

Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements tells WPRO-AM the victim fell one floor, from the escalator at the movie theatre level to the food court, at the Providence Place Mall just before 11pm on Monday (3pm Tuesday NZ Time).

A man fell to his death after losing his balance while riding an escalator rail at the Providence Place Mall.

Clements said the man lost his balance, fell backward, and hit his head on a table. He suffered "massive injuries" and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The victim was a 45-year-old Pawtucket man. His name was not immediately released.

Police said the death appears to be accidental, but they will review surveillance video.