KOLKATA: A 57-year-old woman who was attending a family get-together at a restaurant in Kankurgachhi died after a nearly 25ft fall when the tempered glass exterior facade - against which she was leaning - suddenly crumbled and gave way. The victim, Padma Malu, a resident of Shibpur in Howrah, had come to the restaurant with around 10 other family members and acquaintances.
The DC (ESD) Gaurav Lal said the incident occurred around 4.30pm when Malu, who was standing next to glass facade on the second floor of the restaurant, leaned against it. "Moments later, the glass wall shattered and she plunged down. She was immediately rushed to a nearby nursing home in an unconscious state before being shifted to a private hospital where she was declared dead," said Lal. Her body has been sent for post-mortem.
According to information with the cops, a family get-together had been organized at the venue. Cops suspect the victim had leaned on the wall to click a photograph when it gave way and she accidentally lost balance and fell to death.
The restaurant employees said they, too, had been stunned by the unfortunate turn of events and the tragedy that had happened in a split second. Cops are checking the video footage to find out how the tempered glass wall shattered.
Those dealing with glass facades said the glass panel in question may have already shattered due to heat stress or from a previous impact but had been held in place as it was tempered before it finally gave way on Wednesday when the victim had applied slight pressure on it.
"One should be very cautious if the person notices a fractured glass panel as the glass shards that are held in place can easily crumble down," said an expert.
Others said the glass may have shattered after being accidentally struck by a chair or a table while the group was settling down.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.
Start a Conversation
Post comment