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A WOMAN was injured after concrete fragments from a heritage building fell on her during the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrations along Lebuh China in George Town last night.
The incident occurred at about 11.30pm when a connecting cable fixed to the building’s wall reportedly came loose, causing part of the structure at a corner of the building to detach.
The falling debris struck the woman, who sustained injuries and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
The incident occurred as the area was crowded with members of the public taking part in and watching the festival procession.
A check at the scene found personnel from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) clearing debris from the area and cordoning off the location with safety tape.
A nearby trader, who declined to be named, said he was serving customers at his premises when the incident occurred.
"I did not know about the incident until I heard a loud noise coming from outside the shop.
"Only afterwards did I learn that concrete debris from the building had fallen and struck the woman. Shortly afterwards, I saw a woman being taken away in an ambulance," he said.
The latest incident comes less than a month after another heritage-building collapse in George Town.
On Aug 4, media reports highlighted an incident involving rocks and timber from a beam on the first floor of a heritage building along Lebuh Armenian here, which injured two Sri Lankan tourists.
An inspection subsequently found that the building’s timber beam had been weakened by a termite infestation before it collapsed.
The two incidents have renewed attention on the condition and maintenance of ageing heritage buildings in George Town, particularly those located along busy pedestrian routes and areas frequented by visitors during major cultural celebrations. - September 2, 2026
