'Four people have now died at Library of Birmingham since it opened - I've dealt with every fall'

Four people have died in suicides and falls from the Library of Birmingham - sparking fresh concerns over its design, an inquest heard. Negash Masho Abdelkadar was the latest fatality as he climbed over a barrier and likely slipped while trying to attach a flag.

Members of the public watched from a window bench inside the library as he fell 40ft on August 5. The 58-year-old, a father-of-three from the US, suffered traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

His death was ruled as accidental at Birmingham Coroner's Court. In a statement read to Mr Abdelkadar's inquest, the library's facility and systems manager said: "There have now been four suicides [or deaths] at the Library of Birmingham. I have dealt personally with all of those incidents."

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Lee Mills' role centred around emergencies and usually involved fire alerts, the court heard, but he had dealt with four deaths, and more attempted suicides, since it opened in 2013. In 2017, he led on a report with the council to try to design out risks and make the building safer.

In 2019, the Samaritans provided training to staff on how to approach mental health situations. His statement continued: "This allowed us to address situations. There have been other possible suicide attempts, where they have been successfully engaged with."

But after the death of Mr Abdelkadar, staff were "looking again at the issue that occurred at the Library." They hoped to commission a further report to "mitigate against the risk of future suicides" and "design out the risks," the inquest was told.

"This will allow the council to decide which further actions it wishes to take in light of that report," Mr Mills added.

After the inquest, a spokesperson for Birmingham City Council told BirminghamLive: “A small number of potential suicide attempts have been prevented by staff as a result of their training. These individuals have been referred to the emergency services accordingly where further professional support has then been provided to help them.

“The council has approved the commissioning of a report to assess what more can be done to prevent future incidents.” The building welcomes up to 4,000 visitors daily, with even more while the German Markets are on.

It is covered by around 200 cameras in its CCTV, including some which captured Mr Abdelkadar's final moments. Recalling the incident, Mr Mills said: "At 1.15pm I was informed a person had fallen and hit the ground in front of the main library doors. We were already receiving reports from members of the public.

"On-site control officers in turn called for emergency services. Security officers were at the scene almost immediately. An off-duty doctor was able to give assistance. He was still breathing but clearly very badly injured at this point. At 1.22pm the first police responders arrived, followed by paramedics.

"The individual who fell was a black male and it was clear he had suffered very serious injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene soon after their arrival." The Library was cordoned off by police and a scene was erected.

The court heard Mr Abdelkadar, who had been refused aslyum in the UK, climbed over a barrier and was likely trying to attach a flag to the outside of the library when he slipped. He was found with the flag which read "liberty without justice is slavery." Mr Mills said: "He appeared to slip and fall immediately at that point it appears he loses his footing. I assume his foot slipped off.

"Members of the public said they saw him fall past the window benching. He appears to have hit part of the façade." He called Mr Abdelkadar climbing over the railing a "deliberate act." Assistant coroner Rebecca Ollivere concluded he died as a result of an accidental fall as she ruled out suicide.

She said: "Suicide should never be assumed. I must consider what was in his mind at the time he climbed over the balcony. I have no doubt he climbed over the barrier deliberately.

"Negash had taken off his coat and bag, but kept the flag with him. This is believed to be significant. The CCTV shows him slip between the barrier.

"I can say that, on the balance of probabilities, in my judgement it is more likely he was attempting to attach the flag to the building in an attempt to share his message."

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org for more information

Have you been affected by this? You can contact us by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com.