2 women injured after metal ceiling panel falls outside People’s Park Complex

Two women were injured after a metal ceiling panel fell along a walkway outside People’s Park Complex on Mar. 7.

What happened

One of the women, who wished to be known only as Catherine, told Mothership that the incident occurred at about 1:45pm as she and a friend were walking along the pathway.

She said the panel had struck the lower legs of both women.

Catherine sustained a mild abrasion on her left calf, while her friend suffered abrasions and swelling to the affected area.

Smaller metal panel fell the day before

One of the witnesses who worked around the area told Catherine that a smaller piece of the metal panel had fallen the day before.

When Mothership visited the site on Mar. 13, the panel had already been reinstalled.

The area beneath the ceiling houses numerous food stalls and fast-food outlets and attracts heavy foot traffic during meal times.

Staff at a nearby McDonald’s outlet said they were unaware of the incident, while employees at a Niu Xiao Er stall selling Northeastern Chinese (Dongbei) cuisine declined to comment.

Building security staff also declined to comment.

However, a staff member at another Niu Xiao Er stall nearby, which mainly sells steamed buns, said she had heard about an incident involving two women, though she was unsure when it occurred.

In response to Mothership's queries, the police confirmed that a report was lodged.

Mothership has also reached out to the management of People's Park Complex for comment, but has yet to receive a response.

Another panel detached

Along the side of the building facing Eu Tong Sen Street, similar metal ceiling panels can be seen.

During a walk past the area, Mothership observed another panel that appeared partially detached.

A barricade had been placed below the panel to prevent members of the public from passing underneath.

Mothership understands that the panel had come loose some time ago.

Top photos courtesy of Catherine