Family Sues Shopping Centre for Rs 1.3 Billion after Horrific Travelator Accident

A 21-year-old student and her family have launched a landmark legal action at the Supreme Court, claiming more than 1.3 billion Mauritian rupees (MUR) following a catastrophic accident at the Grand-Baie La Croisette shopping mall.

The civil lawsuit, filed by Noor Fateemah Dogansoy and four family members, follows an incident on 23 November 2024, in which the young woman was trapped in a moving walkway for over an hour, resulting in the amputation of her right leg.

The claim targets the mall’s owner, Sottise Development Ltd, and its insurer, Mauritius Union Assurance (MUA) Company Ltd.

A Scene of “Horror”

The court filings describe a harrowing afternoon that began as a routine shopping trip for Mrs Dogansoy, her mother, and her sister.

While using the travelator leading to a shop adjacent to the Intermart supermarket, a metal plate reportedly gave way. Mrs Dogansoy fell into the mechanism, which “caught” her legs.

Witnesses described a “scene of horror” as the victim’s right leg was severely crushed and her left heel mangled.

Despite the emergency stop button being pressed, the machinery allegedly took several seconds to halt, exacerbating the injuries.

Her mother and sister used their veils to attempt to stem the bleeding until a passerby, Reaz Dhonye, provided first aid.

Allegations of Negligence

The complaint levels serious allegations against the site’s maintenance. It claims a maintenance official, identified as “Steve,” arrived late to the scene and stated he was unable to assist.

It eventually took fire crews and emergency medical services using hydraulic rescue tools to free Mrs Dogansoy after she had been trapped for sixty minutes.

The legal team, led by attorney Mr Preetam Chuttoo and barrister Mr Fezal Boodhoo, argues that the defendants are “jointly and severally” liable for the mechanical failure and the subsequent “dramatic” consequences.

Life-Changing Injuries

Following the accident, Mrs Dogansoy underwent emergency surgery to amputate her right leg.

She later sought specialist treatment in Chennai, India, for nerve reconstruction and skin grafts on her left leg.

The victim, described in the filings as a “brilliant student” with distinctions in her School Certificate and a background in finance, now relies on a prosthetic limb and a brace.

The family notes that while she has since given birth to a daughter in the Netherlands, her physical condition prevents her from fully caring for the child.

The 1.3 Billion Rupee Claim

The record-breaking sum of over 1.3 billion MUR was calculated via an actuarial report. The figure accounts for:

• Medical Costs: Past and future treatments, including rehabilitation in India.
• Specialised Equipment: The lifelong cost of prosthetics, adapted housing, and modified vehicles.
• Loss of Earnings: Compensation for a career cut short by permanent disability.
• Moral Damages: Provisions for the psychological trauma suffered by the victim, her husband Turhan, her parents, and her sister.

The family maintained that their lives have been “profoundly disrupted” by the event, seeking justice for the physical and emotional sacrifices made during Mrs Dogansoy’s ongoing recovery.

Source: l’Express