A loose solar panel fell from its mount and struck a 76-year-old woman Sunday in Brighton Beach, police say. She later died at Lutheran Medical Center. The victim has been identified as Lyudmila Braun.
Police say it happened at Ocean Parkway and Brighton Beach Avenue around 10:30 a.m.
The woman was found unconscious and unresponsive before she was brought to the hospital. The lot belongs to Shorecrest Towers of 3000 Ocean Parkway.
According to a Department of Buildings investigation: "Inspectors observed that a 41" x 87" solar panel became disconnected from the steel carport structure which is standing overhead the outdoor parking lot. The detached panel was taken by the wind and blown approximately 20 feet away where it fatally struck a pedestrian at an adjacent walkway."
DOB says access to the nearby sidewalk where Braun was struck remains closed, as well as the stairs to the Q train. A partial vacate order was also placed on the parking lot, cars are still parking underneath that section as of Monday afternoon.
Some of the residents in the building say they don't feel safe walking near the lot, including a mother of two who owns the parking spot right beneath that panel.
"One hundred and sixty-three is exactly my spot - every single morning I bring them here, load them in the car before day care - so now I'm really scared. I don't know what to do," said Rusora Khayarova, of Brighton Beach.
A spokesman for Shorecrest issued a statement:
"We are devastated by this tragic accident and extend our deepest condolences to the victim's family and loved ones. The safety of our community and property is our highest priority. Our team remains on site, and we are investigating the incident while cooperating fully with authorities.”
