Anthony Yates
A 76-year-old woman from Brooklyn, New York, was fatally injured by a flying solar panel over the weekend. The incident occurred as high winds from the nor’easter battered the area.
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What happened: According to a report by PIX11, the solar panel came off a steel carport at a parking lot. The Department of Buildings (DOB) reportedly stated it flew about 20 feet before striking the woman. The panel was 3 feet 5 inches wide and 7 feet 3 inches long.
- Authorities found the woman unconscious on Sunday morning at around 10:30 AM. Emergency services transported her to a hospital, but she died from her injuries. In response to the tragedy, the DOB issued a “partial vacate order” for the parking area beneath where the solar panel originated.
- The report does not name the victim. However, a CBS News report identified her as Lyudmila Braun. Her son and husband told the outlet, “We’re destroyed right now. We’re at a loss for words.”
New York City Was Under A Wind Advisory Over The Weekend
Weather warnings: According to Pix 11 and CBS News, a wind advisory was active, owing to the nor’easter. Per the National Weather Service, “A nor’easter is a storm along the East Coast of North America, so-called because the winds over the coastal area are typically from the northeast.”
- CBS News spoke with a nearby resident, Adam Rubenstein. He blasted the incident as “a disgusting accident that never should have happened.” He reportedly said, “Hopefully nobody else gets hurt, let alone dies, because this is crazy,” noting that it could have happened to anybody.
- Per NBC New York, officials could not provide further details about how the solar panel detached from the building. However, they did tell the outlet that they did not suspect any criminality.
The dangers of storms: A woman from Kentucky was at home earlier this year as a thunderstorm brewed above her house. Lightning struck the building while she was using a microwave, sending her to the emergency room.
- Shelby Miller reportedly suffered nerve damage after the incident. She claimed she couldn’t even let go of the microwave handle after the house was struck and is now at risk of having a heart attack.
- Miller hopes her story might prevent others from suffering a similar incident. She said she was always told not to use a shower during a thunderstorm, but didn’t realize the warning extended to household appliances.
