Atlanta

"This has shaken me": Woman injured after canopy flies off Ponce City Market

ATLANTA — Channel 2 Action News has learned that a flying canopy on top of Ponce City Market injured more people than originally reported.

Atlanta firefighters confirmed a woman who was on the roof of the building was injured after storms moved through Sunday. Two other injuries were initially reported.

On Tuesday, Channel 2's Matt Johnson spoke with a woman who was rushed to a hospital after, she says, a burst of wind sent the canopy toward her, leaving her with bruised legs.

"This has shaken me in a way that I haven't been shaken before in my life," Eboni Williams said.

On Sunday evening, Williams and a group of friends were underneath the canopy at 9 Mile Station, a restaurant on the Ponce City Market rooftop. Channel 2 Action News obtained cellphone video that shows the moment a burst of wind sent the canopy flying off the roof.

"As we were rushing in, we were knocking over things, trying to get to safety," Williams said.

Before it hit two people on the ground, Williams said it hit her and a metal rod inside it knocked her to the ground.

"This was really something that could have taken my life," Williams said. "I've never had anything like this happen."

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Now, Williams struggles to walk on her own because of the incident.

"It was really extreme pain. That thing could have actually lifted me and taken me with it," Williams said.

She shared pictures of when Atlanta firefighters treated her two bruised and swollen legs before medics took her to a hospital.

Williams believes no one properly secured the canopy that hurt her.

“Definitely something that should not have happened if all the precautions had been taken care of,” Williams said.

Johnson reached out to the restaurant and a spokesperson sent the following statement:

"At Slater Hospitality, we value the safety of our guests and patrons above all else. We are working with the Atlanta police and fire departments to better understand the events of [Sunday] and remain totally available to them at any time."

Williams said she hopes all rooftop restaurants are being proactive before such incidents occur.

"A nice dinner outside with friends could definitely turn into something more tragic," Williams said.

The game and ride part of the roof is operated by Ponce City Market and that portion of the roof was closed due to the threat of severe weather.

Williams and her friends wonder why the patio area for the restaurant wasn't cleared and closed off entirely.