ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – We’re now hearing the emergency call to Orange County Fire Rescue after part of Flyer’s Wings and Grill in Pine Hills collapsed on Dajah Stover and her 2-year-old daughter earlier this month.
During that same week, a complaint to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation prompted state inspectors to visit the restaurant.
They found 15 violations — including missing floor and ceiling tiles, sanitary issues, and a repeated violation for a damaged ceiling in the dining area.
[MORE BELOW: Victim’s father speaks out]
News 6 Community Correspondent Jarell Baker spoke with Dajah’s father, Torrance Stover, days after the incident while she was recovering in the hospital.
“Her neck is hurting real bad. She sustained four staples in her head — a cut, a laceration to the top of her head. So she’s in pretty bad shape. But it could be worse, and I thank God that it’s not,” said Torrance Stover, Dajah’s father.
Stover says Flyer’s remaining open while repairing the damage was “neglecting” what happened to his daughter.
When asked if he was worried about something like that happening again, Stover said, “Yes, I am. I would advise people not to go in there until all that is rectified.”
In a previous statement, restaurant managers told News 6, “The building has been inspected by the Orange County building inspector and was cleared to continue operating while making repairs to the damaged section.”
Orange County gave the restaurant a violation for the damaged ceiling but allowed them to remain open as long as the section that fell was blocked off.
When Baker visited the restaurant again, I saw that the damage had been repaired and customers were eating in the same booth where Dajah was injured.
The manager wasn’t available at the time, and we were told to send an email.
We also asked whether the restaurant has fixed all the violations found in the state inspection and whether they plan to help with Dajah’s medical expenses.
As soon as we get an answer, we’ll let you know and follow up again.