A STANDARD Four pupil lost a kidney and spleen after he fell off a third fl oor balcony of Pantai Indah Apartments in Jalan Pantai Dalam on Saturday.

Samuel Raj Olaitan Ilori, 10, of Sekolah Menengah Brickfi elds 1, was leaning against the metal railing, when it gave way.

Samuel is being treated at University Malaya Medical Centre’s intensive care unit.

His cousin, S. Kavathia, 31, said Samuel had an operation to remove his left kidney and spleen that burst due to the impact of the fall. His right arm is also broken.

Kavathia said the incident happened at 5.45pm when the boy took a call at the balcony, for better reception.

“I was in the dining area and did not notice anything strange when I saw him standing in the balcony,” she said.

“It is normal for us to stand in the balcony when answering calls to get better reception.” She said moments later, she heard the boy scream. She rushed to the balcony and saw that the boy had fallen.

Kavathia spoke on behalf of Samuel’s mother, Saraswathy Nallu, 49, who is a deaf mute.

Kavathia added that Samuel may have to stay in the ICU for at least a week.

“Even after he is discharged, life will not be the same because he has to be on antibiotics, monthly injections and medication.” Kavathia said the family is unsure of what to do since they don’t know who is responsible for the incident.

“We don’t know who to blame. Is it the developer, management or other parties? “I don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” she said, adding that there are many children living in the block.

“Someone must be responsible in checking and replacing metal railings before this happens again,” she said.

Seputeh MP Theresa Kok was also at the house yesterday.

Kok said she was saddened by the incident.

“The apartment is more than 10 years old but the railings are not supposed to break easily. Most of the railings here have eroded and could break with a little force.

“Even the concrete slabs where the metal railings are placed are falling apart,” she said.

She said preventive measures need to be taken immediately.

She added that her legal adviser is checking to see whether the developer or the maintenance company should compensate the family.

Kok said a thorough inspection should be carried out at all units.

Kavathia lodged a report at Pantai police station.

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