Metro was warned that its escalator brakes are worn and likely to give out more than a month before a L’Enfant Plaza escalator malfunctioned, sending dozens of passengers free-falling to the mezzanine, according to an internal audit dated Sept. 30.

“All escalator brakes have questionable stopping performance,” Metro auditor Vertical Transportation Excellence reported after inspecting 30 escalators at four stations. “Brake pads [are] worn beyond usable life expectancy and out of adjustment, allowing the unit to freewheel to stop.”