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Balcony Fall Death Prompts Council Action
A woman died after falling from a balcony while clearing a blocked drainpipe, prompting a coroner to urge Hackney Council to take action to prevent future deaths.
English
United Kingdom
HealthUkInvestigationDeathSafetyAccidentPrevention
Hackney CouncilBbc Radio LondonBbc London
Sarah McgreevySarah Bourke
- What caused the death of Sarah McGreevy?
- Sarah McGreevy, 37, died after falling from her sixth-floor balcony while attempting to clear a blocked drainpipe. The incident occurred in Hackney, east London, and an inquest has highlighted safety concerns.
- What actions has Hackney Council promised to take?
- Hackney Council, the freeholder of the premises, has been instructed to respond to the coroner's report by January 1st. They offered condolences and stated they want to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
- What concerns did the coroner raise in her report?
- The coroner, Sarah Bourke, expressed concerns about the risk of future deaths due to the recurring practice of residents clearing blocked drainpipes themselves. She urged Hackney Council to take action to prevent similar incidents.
- What evidence suggests Ms McGreevy was clearing a drainpipe?
- Police found a wooden box and Ms. McGreevy's phone near the drainpipe on the balcony, suggesting she was using the box to reach the pipe. Photographs of her hands showed dirt consistent with cleaning.
- What are the key safety concerns highlighted in the incident?
- The coroner's report highlights the unsafe practice of residents climbing onto balconies to clear blocked drainpipes. The lack of awareness and subsequent inaction by the leaseholder regarding pipe maintenance is also a concern.