Speculation over disaster that injured newly engaged woman
There is speculation weather may have been the cause of a roof collapse that seriously injured a woman days after she became engaged.
Hailey Cooper and her fiancé William Hewett were among a group of 20 people who arrived at a Isla Mujeres beach club, in Cancun, Mexico, for lunch on March 25.
They had earlier been on a catamaran tour and arrived at the popular spot about 1pm (local time), according to news site Riviera Maya News.
However disaster struck when part of the roof above where they were sitting collapsed, killing one woman and injuring six others, including Ms Cooper, just five days after she accepted Mr Hewett's proposal.
Some of the group were reportedly trapped beneath debris that fell from the palapa roof – a design with open sides and thatched palm leaves acting as shelter from the elements.
There was speculation recent wind could have contributed to the structure's collapse, Riviera Maya News reported.
Injured diners were rushed to a hospital on the island for treatment, with Ms Cooper being transported via air ambulance to the Ryder Trauma Centre in Miami, Florida, after three days.
According to a GoFundMe account established to support her family with costs, she is currently receiving treatment in the trauma intensive care unit.
"Our goal is to financially help Hailey and The Cooper Family with any medical bills, hotel fees, Hailey’s apartment expenses while she recovers and the long road of recovery that lays ahead," page organiser Jessica Nichols wrote.
The page has so far raised close to A$25,000, nearly reaching its goal of A$26,000.
Ms Cooper is being treated for six fractures in her back, a tailbone fracture, a complete pelvic fracture, an epidural hematoma, a concussion, facial fractures and trauma, and multiple cuts to her head arms and back.
An investigation with the Mexico's State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) is underway, according to the publication.
Meanwhile, the establishment has been closed and has agreed to pay for medical care and expenses incurred by the injured patrons.
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