Kids Killed By Falling Objects

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It’s a safety hazard most parents give little thought to, but kids are routinely killed by falling objects. They are crushed under television sets and other household items, struck by falling signs or bricks from buildings, and crushed by gates or soccer-field goal posts. Here are some of the stories behind the statistics:

Kids Killed by Falling Debris From Buildings

Two-Year-Old KIlled by Crumbling Facade
In 2015 a 2-year-old girl in Manhattan was killed after being struck by falling terra cotta from the deteriorating building above. Four-years earlier, the building was reported for having unsafe facade but nothing was done about it. (Haag, 2020)

Child Killed by Brick
Jayson Greene, in Once More We Saw Stars, describes how his 2-year-old daughter, Greta, was also killed after being struck by a brick that had fallen off the side of a building in upper West Side, New York.

Girl Killed by Falling Gate at her Elementary School
A 9-year-old girl in Arizona was killed after a gate fell on her at her elementary school. She was apparently opening the metal gate when it slid off its hinges, crushing her to death. (CBS News Phoenix, 11-21-2023)

Kids Killed by Heavy Objects Falling

Air-Conditioner Crushes Child
In Huntsville, Alabama, the family of a 5-year-old boy was suing after he was crushed by an air-conditioner during an air show at Huntsville International Airport. Josiah Miller and his father had taken up shelter behind a tent during a storm when the tents became dislodged by winds, causing the air conditioner to fall. The suit claims 20 hospitality tents were anchored improperly. (USA Today, 6-25-2010)

Oven Tips Over, Killing Tot
In Las Vegas, Nevada, a 17-month-old boy was killed when an oven tipped over onto him. Police say the oven apparently fell onto the toddler, Elijah Giovanny Perea, after he opened the door. (USA Today, 11-18-2010, 7A)

See also…

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References:
Haag, M. (2020, Jan. 31) “1,400 buildings across city are a serious safety threat for pedestrians,” New York Times, p. A24


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