An inquest in Letterkenny, Co Donegal has heard how a Monaghan woman died as a result of injuries sustained in a nine foot fall into an uncovered light shaft.
Mona Duffy, 68, of Garry Bawn, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan was sitting on a low wall outside Gallagher's Hotel, Letterkenny on the afternoon of the 3 July 2006 with her husband, when she fell backwards into the light shaft.
The shaft was not protected by a handrail or netting at the time of the accident, which was in contravention of Health and Safety Regulations.
The coroner John Cannon heard evidence that Mrs Duffy died a short time after the accident, and that she suffered major head and chest injuries in the fall.
The hotel had been undergoing renovation at the time of the accident and no warning signs had been placed near the wall or light shaft.
The light shaft was described as a 'deathtrap'
The jury concluded that Mrs Duffy's death was a tragic accident, and could have been prevented had the proper safety precautions been taken.
