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Otago Daily Times
25-04-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Man remains critical after Queenstown balcony fall
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES A man remains in a critical condition following a fall from a broken balcony at a Queenstown address last weekend. A police spokeswoman said emergency services were called to a Frankton Rd address at about 6.30pm on April 19, following a report of a person being injured in a fall. She said one person was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where they remain. Sergeant Simon Matheson, of Queenstown Police, told Lakes Weekly that initial inquiries revealed railing gave way on a third-floor balcony, causing the man to fall about 6 metres. "We have no evidence that suggests that any person on the deck had any impact to the rail failing at this point in the investigation," he said. The man was reportedly on holiday in the resort when the incident happened. Police had spoken with the parties involved in the incident and were providing them with support. The Queenstown Lakes District Council told the New Zealand Herald it extended its sympathy to the injured person, family, and friends. "Council is liaising with police to support its investigation into the cause of the incident," a council spokesperson said. "Council is addressing its own inquiries under the Building Act 2004 to assess building safety, and will undertake any action it considers appropriate in the circumstances to ensure this."
NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- NZ Herald
Man critically injured after Queenstown balcony glass gives way in freak holiday accident
A glass balustrade he was leaning on 'gave out', causing him to fall three storeys or 6m. A relative wrote that the man fell from a 'significant height and has suffered horrific and life-changing injuries'. He suffered a 'major brain injury' and was put in an induced coma, and has multiple broken bones in his back and neck. Police were called to a property about 6.30pm on the day of the accident. 'Initial enquiries have established that a portion of the balcony gave way, leading to the fall. 'Police inquiries into the incident are ongoing, alongside other relevant agencies.' Sergeant Simon Matheson told Lakes Weekly there was no evidence that any person had caused the incident. The Queenstown Lakes District Council said it extended its sympathy to the injured person, family, and friends. 'Council is liaising with police to support its investigation into the cause of the incident,' a council spokesperson said. 'Council is addressing its own inquiries under the Building Act 2004 to assess building safety, and will undertake any action it considers appropriate in the circumstances to ensure this.' WorkSafe confirmed it was notified of the incident and made initial inquiries. A spokesperson said it had not opened an investigation 'as the local council and New Zealand Police are best placed to respond'.
