Marble slabs fall on hospital waiting area

Incident could have ended in tragedy had it happened hours earlier

PATIENTS at Gazimağusa State Hospital could have been seriously injured or killed when chunks of marble fell from the ceiling onto chairs in a waiting area.

At least one of the metal chairs in the hospital’s polyclinic waiting room was badly dented by a falling marble slab, which had come loose when part of a skylight was blown off.

The incident happened at around 3pm last Friday, at a time when fortunately there were no patients waiting for appointments.

Reports said the incident was blamed on a “lack of maintenance” at the building, which was opened 14 years ago, and that seven other skylights also pose a “danger”.

One member of the public who was in the hospital at the time of the incident, said that he heard a “loud noise” that caused “fear and panic” among hospital staff.

“The building should be maintained regularly,” the person said. “It was fortunate that there was no loss of life or injuries in the incident.

“The outpatient clinic is packed in the morning hours every time I come to the hospital. Someone could have been seriously injured if the . . . marble had fallen then. The absence of anyone in the polyclinic at the time of the incident prevented a disaster.

“The wind wasn’t very strong, but due to neglect, the [skylight] could not withstand a light breeze and was blown off. Our only consolation is that there were no deaths or injuries. Those concerned should pay attention, otherwise other parts of the ceiling will fall down too and someone may not be so lucky next time.

“As a citizen who fulfils my responsibilities, I want to receive both privatised and state healthcare safely. Those concerned should heed the warnings and take precautions.”