Six people injured in deadly Tupperware Christmas party balcony collapse to give evidence at inquest
- Two women died when balcony gave way at party in Doncaster East, Melbourne
- Up to 30 people were believed to be on balcony taking a group photo
- Those injured are seeking compensation for the injuries they suffered
Six people seriously injured in a fatal suburban Melbourne balcony collapse are among those due to give evidence to a coroner investigating the deaths of two of their co-workers.
Croydon woman Cheryl Taylor, 59, and a 37-year-old Reservoir woman were killed in December 2017, when the balcony gave way during a Tupperware Christmas party at a private home in Doncaster East.
Up to 30 people were believed to have been on the structure at the time, taking a group photo.
Up to 30 people were believed to have been on the structure at the Melbourne home at the time of the collapse, taking a group photo. Pictured: Another group photo taken during the party
Cheryl Taylor (right) was killed when a balcony collapsed at a home in Melbourne during the Christmas party for Tupperware. In a tribute her daughter (left) posted this photo to Facebook
Lawyer Lily Boskovski is representing six of the 17 people injured and said her clients had survived a tough experience.
‘They’ve witnessed their coworkers die. I can’t even imagine how it might feel to one minute be enjoying a party and then saving yourself from dying,’ she told AAP.
‘We can’t underestimate the psychological consequences of being involved in an incident like that.’
Emergency crews rushed to the scene of the collapse and coroner Paresa Spanos will be tasked with determining what caused the tragedy. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
The Doncaster East home is pictured before the tragic incident which killed two women
‘The inquest can’t point out one responsible party involved, but it will be critical to dissect what happened and what parties were involved in allowing the balcony to collapse,’ Ms Boskovski said.
Her clients plan to seek compensation for their injuries.
The lawyer pointed to possible construction shortfalls which might have led to the collapse.
Independent engineers and civil workers are also listed as witnesses during the inquest.
Two Tupperware vehicles are seen parked outside the home the morning after the balcony collapse