If the food cupboard in Haapsalu, which was overturned by the raging storm wind on November 1, had buried the woman under it in such a way that the injured person could not call for help on the phone, the accident could have had much sadder consequences. For now, it can be said that despite the serious injuries, it was still a lucky accident. The victim has been treated in two hospitals for two weeks and his life is no longer in danger.
Hindsight is an exact science, but unfortunately, this science cannot be applied immediately. Namely, this is not the first time that a strong wind has pushed down the food cabinet between the post office and the A&T electrical store in Haapsalu. During the October storm last year, the incident ended more happily, because no one was hurt that time. However, the lesson that storm winds can push the cabinet to the ground was not learned.
Already a year ago, it was clear that the pantry, which stands in the wind corridor and whose sail surface is further increased by the solar panel on its roof, needs to be attached to the ground more firmly than before. But even after the second and much more unfortunate fall, the apple-shaped legs of the pantry are still attached to the stone paving with tiny screws.
Anyone who shares mechanics understands that this is a dangerous object. Maybe this cabinet is in the wrong place in the wind corridor or is poorly attached? Now, however, so much has been learned that the cabinet is pulled to a nearby tree with a load strap.
Whose business is it to ensure the safety of urban space? On the one hand, it is a city property. On the other hand, the city has rented out the property for its intended use, and the food pantry is currently being managed by the NGO Läänemaa Food Recycling Cabinet. But from whom can the victim claim damages? From whom can the health insurance fund claim the medical expenses of the victim? It’s not a penny – the costs reach thousands of euros, and the amount of damage will probably increase even more.
The post Editorial: life-threatening urban space appeared first on Lääne Elu.
2024-11-16 06:07:00
#Editorial #lifethreatening #urban #space
What specific steps are residents taking to enhance safety after witnessing the incident with the food cupboard?
**Interview with Helen Jõgi, a local resident who witnessed the incident**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Helen. You were nearby when the food cupboard in Haapsalu was overturned by the storm. Can you describe what you saw that day?
**Helen Jõgi:** Thank you for having me. It was a chaotic scene. The winds were incredibly strong, and I remember hearing a loud crash. When I turned around, I saw the food cupboard had been blown over, and a woman was trapped underneath it. It was truly frightening.
**Editor:** That sounds terrifying. What happened next?
**Helen Jõgi:** I rushed over to help, but it was clear that we needed to call for emergency services. Fortunately, the woman, despite being injured, managed to reach her phone and call for help herself. If that hadn’t happened, things could have been much worse.
**Editor:** It’s fortunate she was able to reach her phone. How has she been doing since the accident?
**Helen Jõgi:** I found out that she has been recovering in the hospital for the past two weeks. While her injuries were serious, the doctors have assured us that she is now out of danger. It’s a relief to know that she will make it.
**Editor:** That’s good to hear. What have residents in the community said about the incident?
**Helen Jõgi:** Everyone is really concerned, but there’s also a sense of gratitude that the situation wasn’t worse. This incident has driven home the importance of safety during such extreme weather events—people are talking about being more cautious and prepared.
**Editor:** Has anything been done in response to this incident to prevent similar events in the future?
**Helen Jõgi:** Yes, the local authorities are discussing securing public structures better and ensuring awareness about the risks of severe weather. Community support for the affected woman is also growing; many of us want to help her with recovery.
**Editor:** Thank you, Helen, for sharing your experience and insights with us. We wish the woman a swift and full recovery.
**Helen Jõgi:** Thank you for having me. Let’s all stay safe out there!
