By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – A nearly century-old chandelier crashed to the floor of the Missouri Senate in the Capitol building on Tuesday.
No one was hurt. It happened while crews were lowering it to check light bulbs.
The 600-pound fixture fell about 50 feet, but officials believe it can be fixed. They're not so sure, however, about the antique mahogany bench that the chandelier fell on. The bench was typically where children who were serving as pages sat.
Both the bench and chandelier were original pieces of furniture for the Capitol building, which was built after a fire in 1911 destroyed the previous one.
Maintenance workers were electronically lowering the chandelier when the cable slipped. That caused a brass chain to break, and the huge light fixture fell about 50 feet.
It's also unclear how much the repairs will cost. The work will not be complete when the Legislature begins its annual session January seventh.