When a Ceiling Decided to Play Dropkick at the Hilton
The usually calm Hilton hotel in KL Sentral turned into a scene from a slapstick comedy when a large plaster segment just decided to leave the roof and plummet 12 metres straight into the lobby early Sunday morning.
The Misadventure
- At around 3:40 am a phone call came in: a chunk of the ceiling had gone rogue and dropped.
- About 140 sqm of plaster disappeared, ricocheting into the lobby floor—quite a shock for the guests who had just started their day.
- The unlucky worker, a 25‑year‑old Bangladeshi man, fell from the ceiling, landing heavily in the lobby.
Healing & Helping
He was rushed to the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre where he’s currently receiving treatment for head injuries.
The Hotel’s Response
The Hilton spokesperson confirmed that:
- The lobby and café sections are temporarily closed.
- Services at Oro Café, Chambers Bar, and the Lobby Lounge are on hold for now.
- Repair work was underway with an “approved maintenance contractor” when the incident happened.
White sheets wrapped the affected area, and construction noise could be heard from behind the temporary partition.
Police Investigation
Local police opened an inquiry following a report from a supervisor at the repair firm.
According to District Chief Ruslan Khalid, the incident involved:
- The victim working alone in the lobby, with no customers in the immediate vicinity.
- Some furnishings and electronics took a hit.
- Investigations have yet to spot any suspicious activity.
Rescue Effort
Twenty‑six firemen from the Kuala Lumpur crew sprang into action to rescue the worker and conduct safety checks.
History of Misfortune
Remember the 2015 incident at the Hilton Singapore where the driveway ceiling fell onto vehicles? That event left four individuals injured, a reminder that ceilings can be surprisingly unpredictable.
Keep Calm and Carry On
While this incident shook things up, the Hilton is working to get areas back open safely—so you can still enjoy the hotel’s amenities once everything’s cleared.
