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 would not have been able to 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 area 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 compensation? From whom can the health insurance fund claim the medical expenses of the victim? After all, it is not a dime – the costs reach thousands of euros and the amount of damage will probably increase even more.
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Source: online.le.ee