76-year-old woman killed by flying solar panel during nor’easter

NEW YORK (WCBS) — The powerful nor’easter pummeling the East Coast is to blame for at least one death in New York City.

Lyudmila Braun, 76, died Sunday after a strong gust of wind ripped a solar panel off a parking lot structure in Brooklyn. Authorities say Braun was walking on a sidewalk when she was struck in the head by the panel. She was taken to the hospital, where she died.

The solar panel flew about 20 feet through the air before hitting Braun, according to authorities.

“We just hope that it doesn’t happen to anybody else again. That’s the most important thing. Safety first,” Braun’s son said Monday. “We’re destroyed right now. We’re at a loss for words.”

According to the New York City Department of Buildings, the solar panels on the parking structure were recently added by Best Energy Power, a self-described solar panel equipment company.

Due to the nor’easter, New York City was under a wind advisory when the incident occurred. The storm has battered parts of the East Coast from North Carolina to New England with torrential rains, high winds and power outages.

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