NYC Woman Killed By Flying Solar Panel During Powerful Nor’easter

New York City, New York — A devastating Nor’easter storm that swept across the East Coast on Sunday night turned deadly in Coney Island, where a 76-year-old woman was struck and killed by a flying solar panel. The victim, identified as Lyudmila Braun, was walking near Ocean Parkway and Brighton Beach Avenue when the powerful winds sent a large solar panel airborne.

According to CBS New York, the panel traveled nearly 20 feet before striking Braun, leaving behind a visible hole where it landed. Witnesses said the woman collapsed instantly after the impact, unable to stand. One resident described the tragic scene as “unbelievable,” noting that the same panel could have easily hit anyone nearby.

Nor’easter Brings Dangerous Winds And Heavy Rain

The National Weather Service reported that the Nor’easter brought winds reaching up to 60 mph and heavy rainfall totaling up to 5 inches across parts of New York and New Jersey. The extreme weather prompted both states to declare a state of emergency Sunday night.

Residents in Coney Island said the winds were the strongest they had experienced in years. “This is crazy,” said local resident Adam Rubenstein. “My uncle lives in this building. I live in the next building, and it could have been anybody.”

Authorities said the NYC Department of Buildings has since closed off the parking lot where the panel originated and vacated nearby areas as a safety precaution. The entrance to the Q train station near the scene was also temporarily shut down while crews investigated.

Family And Neighbors Grieve Sudden Loss

Lyudmila Braun’s husband, Mark Braun, spoke to CBS New York about the loss, expressing grief and frustration over the freak accident. “We just hope that it doesn’t happen to anybody else again,” he said. “That’s the most important thing — safety first. We’re just distraught right now. We’re at a loss for words.”

Emergency responders transported Braun to NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn, where she was pronounced dead. Local residents and witnesses described her as a kind, beloved neighbor who often walked through the area daily.

Officials Urge Caution During Severe Weather

City officials have urged residents to stay indoors during high-wind events and to secure outdoor items that could become projectiles. Experts say solar panels, construction materials, and unsecured debris can easily turn into dangerous hazards when storms intensify.

The tragic incident has renewed calls for stricter safety inspections of solar panel installations and rooftop equipment in high-density urban areas. Officials from the New York City Department of Buildings said they are conducting a thorough review of the incident to determine if negligence or improper installation played a role.

Widespread Impact Across The East Coast

The powerful Nor’easter disrupted transportation, flooded low-lying areas, and left thousands without power across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Emergency crews spent Monday clearing debris and restoring utilities as winds began to subside.

For the Braun family, however, the storm left behind a wound that won’t soon heal. “It’s heartbreaking,” said a neighbor. “You never expect something like this — not from the sky, not from a solar panel. It’s just tragic.”

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