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
How can community members better prepare for severe weather to prevent accidents like the overturned food cupboard?
**Interview with Dr. Annelise Jansen, Trauma Surgeon at Haapsalu Hospital**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Jansen. Could you tell us about the recent incident involving the overturned food cupboard in Haapsalu?
**Dr. Jansen:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it was a harrowing situation. On November 1, a severe storm caused a food cupboard to topple, and unfortunately, a woman was trapped underneath it. The circumstances were quite alarming, and we’re grateful that she was ultimately able to call for help.
**Editor:** That sounds terrifying. What were the immediate challenges when she arrived at the hospital?
**Dr. Jansen:** She sustained serious injuries but had thankfully been rescued quickly. Our team worked diligently to assess her condition. The biggest challenge is usually ensuring that there are no internal injuries, especially in cases like this. Swift response from emergency services was critical.
**Editor:** It’s good to hear that she received prompt care. Can you describe her current condition?
**Dr. Jansen:** As of now, she is on the mend. She has been hospitalized for the past two weeks in both our facility and a neighboring hospital. Her condition has stabilized, and while she suffered significant injuries, she is now out of immediate danger. We’ll continue to monitor her recovery.
**Editor:** What can the community learn from this incident in terms of safety during storms?
**Dr. Jansen:** This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of securing furniture and outdoor items that can be dangerous in severe weather. It’s crucial for community members to prepare their homes for storms to prevent such accidents and ensure safety.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Jansen, for your insights and for the important work you do in the community. We wish the victim a smooth recovery.
**Dr. Jansen:** Thank you. We appreciate your coverage of this situation.
