Rome (CNN) Twenty-four people have been injured after an escalator malfunctioned and rapidly sped downward at a Rome metro station, leaving passengers in a jumble at the bottom, Italian officials say.

Three of the victims are in a serious condition, including a man who partially lost his foot.

Most of those involved in Tuesday night's horrifying accident at Repubblica metro station were Russian football fans on their way to attend a Champions League match between Roma and CSKA Moscow, a spokesman with Italy's Fire Brigade said.

In footage on social media, people can be heard screaming as dozens are thrown toward the bottom.

Those injured in the esclator malfunction were transported to five different hospitals across Rome.

Stefano Valentini, from the regional ambulance service, said those injured were transported to five different hospitals across the Italian capital.

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