I was watching a program a few days ago. It’s called “The Fall” and it is set in Belfast. I think it’s fab.
In one scene, the head of the police investigation said, “Always look up at a crime scene.”
I thought that was interesting because I always look up-crime scene or not. In admiration of the architecture on a soaring skyscraper. Or the clouds in the sky. Or the moon. So many reasons to look up.
I’ve even told my kids, “Don’t forget to look up!”
Here in Kuala Lumpur I am constantly looking up at the astonishing number of buildings being erected.
I usually follow with, “Where are they going to find all these people to live and work in these buildings?? Especially in this economy.”
And when I’m driving in the city, where there are loads of construction sites near popular malls and restaurants, I look up and think, “Uh oh! I hope that crane/machine doesn’t come too close to me!”
Last week a young woman was sitting in her car during typical rush hour traffic on a city street called Jalan Raja Chulan. Near the Pavilion Mall. Not moving because of the usual congestion. She was coming from her office.
Maybe she would go home and vent to her family about the traffic. Like we all might.
But she was not afforded that opportunity. Because a part of a crane (the hook) fell on her car and killed her instantly. She was twenty three years old. The hook weighed almost a ton. She never had a chance.
Apparently the crane operator fled the scene. He could be one of the many foreign workers from Bangladesh, Indonesia, etc. Nothing would get built in this city without them. Maybe he ran because he was undocumented. I really don’t know.
Who knows?
What I do know is that this tragedy should never have happened. I really do hope that there will be a full and real investigation that takes place. That someone takes responsibility for the death of this young woman who was just beginning her life.
There are plenty of “Safety” signs all over the city. But safety procedures actually have to be in place and adhered to in order to be effective. Workers must be skilled.
There are currently six hundred construction sites. That’s worrisome.
Because even if you look up there might not be a darn thing you can do about it.
Just Being Mary 