‘A big bang:’ Shopper injured after large decoration falls at Mall at Millenia

A shopper was injured after a decoration fell from the ceiling inside The Mall at Millenia on Saturday, prompting mall officials to close off the area while they review the incident.

The Orlando Police Department has since referred the case to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for a formal review.

The incident was witnessed by Brittany Pinero, who was inside the Orlando shopping mall when she heard a loud bang followed by commotion among shoppers.

“I heard like a big bang… And then everyone started to kind of, like, freak out,” Pinero said.

Pinero recorded video showing the aftermath of the incident. She said the decoration, described as a massive metal star, struck a guest.

In the video, the injured person can be seen lying on the ground as paramedics respond.

“You can see the person on the ground, I’m guessing unconscious, not moving at all. And the paramedics were around him,” Pinero said. “But it was very traumatic to see.”

Mall officials said security personnel and first responders rushed to assist the injured guest, who was transported to a hospital.

In a statement, the mall confirmed that a holiday decoration fell inside the property, injuring a guest. Officials said the area was closed while they conducted a thorough review of the incident.

The mall added that the safety of its guests, retailers and employees remains its highest priority.

Pinero said the incident raised concerns about the safety of decorations suspended above shoppers.

“You should be able to feel safe,” she said. “The last thing you think about is something on the ceiling that’s going to hit you.”

She hopes the mall will reconsider the decorations hanging overhead.

“I hope they take down every, like, everything that’s hanging from the ceiling,” Pinero said.

Mall officials have not released additional details about the injured guest’s condition.

Pinero said she hopes the shopper makes a full recovery.