General

'Very lucky' no one hurt as air conditioning duct ripped off building

mingooland
2 min read
Check your BMI

Witnesses say it's lucky no one was killed when a large sheet of metal was ripped from a Sydney building, flying through the air and smashing into cars parked on the other side of the street.

Florian Dusanter was filming the storm blowing through Sydney when what appeared to be an air conditioning duct broke loose from the top of his apartment building on Pittwater Road, Dee Why, on the Northern Beaches. 

He told 9News.com.au it almost hit a group of people and it was scary to see something so big flying across the street.

READ MORE: One dead, two seriously hurt as severe storm smashes Sydney

"No one got injured but it was really close," he said.

The video shows the heavy structure sailing across the street and landing on two cars in front of Roger Berti's Kebab World eatery.

Mr Berti said it was "very lucky" no one was walking past at the time.

"It would have killed them," he said.

"Just be very dangerous things because the very big part of the ventilation is coming down."

He said someone came to pick up one of the cars soon after the accident and the other was towed away.

READ MORE: WA changes border rules again, locking nation out for Christmas

Firefighters were also called to secure the fallen structure.

Fawas Bazher, manager at Dee Why I Love Pizza next door, said the cars stopped the building from being damaged but things could have been much worse.

"It's heavy metal," he told 9News.com.au

"Like if it hit someone it would probably mean someone get killed by it."

Storms swept across Sydney on Sunday afternoon, downing trees and powerlines and ripping roofs and other debris from buildings across the Northern Beaches.

A woman in her 70s was killed and two other women — one in her 70s and one in her late teens — were left fighting for life when a tree fell in a car park at Ocean Street, Narrabeen.

Source: 9News

Own a fractional luxury property

You Might Also Like

M
General

Montreal’s enchanting light trail is the ideal Valentine’s date — and it’s free to explore

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/light-installations-from-montreal-s-welcome-to-wonder-trail.jpg?id=56220932&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Christmas might be over, but Montreal’s winter lights scene is still glowing. And there's no better way to soak up the magic than with a free Valentine's Day stroll through downtown's illuminated trail.</p><p>With over 800,000 twinkling lights and nine elaborate installations, the aptly named "Welcome to Wonder" is a winter spectacle waiting to be explored. Whether you're heading out with your better half, best friends, or just on your own, this dreamy trail is worth checking out.</p><p>The series of displays, put together by Montréal Centre-Ville, takes folks through some of the city's most iconic spots. The walk takes about an hour, but it could go longer as you'll likely stop to snap a million photos along the way.</p><p>Over at Dorchester Square, you'll find glowing light spheres, an illuminated bridge, and even a pair of giant moose. Phillips Square is where you'll see the Birks building and The Bay shimmering in golden lights, with a glowing archway leading to a group of stunning deer sculptures. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDacuGPp50D/?img_index=6" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDacuGPp50D/?img_index=6" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>And if you want that ultimate fairytale vibe, Victoria Square has a tunnel of glowing archways and 43 hanging light structures that'll transport you straight into a magical winter dream.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDdPBFsNq3e/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDdPBFsNq3e/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Organizers of the project, which launched back in November, say the light displays were put up to add "warmth" to the longest season of the year. And given the<a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/montreal-weather" target="_blank"> weather we've been having</a>, every bulb counts. </p><p><span></span>"With the downtown winter lights, we're adding a bit of warmth and magic to the long winter nights. We're especially proud to showcase our public spaces and downtown heritage," noted Glenn Castanheira, general director of Montréal Centre-Ville in a press release. "This winter, any excuse is a good one to stroll under the glowing lights while enjoying everything downtown has to offer."</p><p>But why stop at just the lights? You can also make a night of it by grabbing a warm drink from a cozy café, browsing a few downtown boutiques, or capping things off with a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montreal-restaurants-romantic-2025" target="_blank">romantic dinner</a>. </p><p><span></span>The illuminated trail will be sticking around until March, so if you can't make it on Valentine's Day, you still have time to take it all in.</p><p>To help plan your visit, a detailed map of the trail is available, outlining all the must-see stops along the route.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="A map of Welcome to Wonder's Montreal light displays." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4c1ba99ab192d2c5609a1b8411c18ef7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="6a329" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-map-of-welcome-to-wonder-s-montreal-light-displays.png?id=56220350&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Welcome to Wonder features nine elaborate displays across town. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Montréal Centre-Ville | Submitted to MTL Blog</small></p><h3>Welcome to Wonder</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFEDYjWtpNb/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFEDYjWtpNb/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: Free</p><p>When: Until March 10</p><p>Where: Nine downtown locations:</p><ul><li>Dorchester Square</li><li>Place du Canada</li><li>Mary Queen of the World Cathedral</li><li>McGill College Avenue / Place Ville Marie</li><li>Christ Church Cathedral</li><li>Square Phillips</li><li>Place Jean-Paul Riopelle</li><li>Square Victoria</li><li>Place Monseigneur-Charbonneau</li></ul><p><a href="https://montrealcentreville.ca/en/what-to-do/bienvenue-a-lemerveillement-downtowns-most-magical-winter-illuminations/" target="_blank">Montreal Centre-Ville website</a></p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em> <em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em>

mingooland · · 3 min read