The big chandelier in the rotunda of the state capitol has fallen while it was undergoing repairs. The chandelier was in a cradle about five feet from the floor when something broke.
The director of the state office of facilities management, Dave Mosby, says damage is extensive…and the cause for the fall is unknown. A cable connection is drawing the most attention, though.
He says a large nut, about four or five inches in diameter, gave way. He says it’s not clear if the failure is a mechanical failure or if there was a problem with installation.
Mosby says there is damage to the bottom of the chandelier, which weighs more than two tons, and the top of the chandelier which ws hit when the heavy supporting chains fell on top of it.
It happened last night…when the Capitol was closed. Nobody was in the area at the time.
The chandelier had been lowered to the first floor a few weeks ago for repairs and the installation of a new lifting cable.
