Falling debris injures Aussie woman in Makati

The Mandarin Oriental Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

An Australian woman was injured Friday afternoon after being hit by falling debris from a hotel that was being demolished in the Makati City Central Business District.

A slab from the building that used to be the Mandarin Oriental hotel fell on Suzanne Mellor as she was walking along Paseo de Roxas around 12:40 p.m. The 55-year-old Mellor was hit in the head and right leg, traffic enforcer Richard Santos told Radyo Inquirer.

A report reaching the Makati police showed that she suffered a leg fracture and was complaining of dizziness when brought to Makati Medical Center for treatment.

Pieces of debris also hit and damaged a Toyota Fortuner then being driven by Deborah Escober.

A check with the Makati police showed that no complaint has been filed at press time in connection with the incident.

In a statement, Ayala Hotels Inc. president Al Legaspi said “we regret that this incident happened and we assure the public that we are continuously taking measures to ensure the safety in the surrounding area and the well-being of all people affected.”

“(We) have asked the contractor on site, JLC Construction, to provide a full account of the incident,” he said, stressing that the Australian was immediately given proper medical attention while those in the damaged vehicle were also examined. Kristine Felisse Mangunay and Ricky Brozas, Radyo Inquirer