Solar panel detaches from carport and strikes pedestrian
2025Published 30 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor
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What happened
A solar panel became disconnected from a steel carport structure over an outdoor parking lot at Shorecrest Towers in Brighton Beach. The detached panel was blown approximately 20 feet by the wind and struck a pedestrian on an adjacent walkway. The pedestrian was taken unconscious to hospital and later died. Access to the walkway and nearby stairs remains closed and a partial vacate order applies to the parking lot.
Contributing factors
The 41 inch by 87 inch panel became disconnected from the steel carport structure. Wind carried the detached panel to the walkway.
Lessons learned
- Mounting connections on elevated solar arrays must be inspected at regular intervals to detect loosening before detachment occurs.
- Wind load design and attachment methods for carport solar installations require verification against local conditions.
- Emergency access routes adjacent to solar structures should be assessed for risk of falling equipment.
More lessons on detection and monitoring, maintenance, inspection and ageing assets, spacing, layout and fire spread, from every incident on the register.
Source
Published 2026-09-30. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.
