Metal objects fall from world's tallest skyscraper

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Pieces of metal fell off the world's tallest building Friday, injuring at least two passers-by and littering the grounds of an elementary school, an engineer and local TV reported.

Engineer Lin Pei-yuan told TVBS cable news that a worker had been moving a cart with metal construction materials from the 90th to the 91st floor of the Taipei 101 building, which is named after its number of floors. The building is expected to open next year.

The wind might have caused the worker to lose control of the cart and spill some of the materials, Lin said.

A taxi driver showed his broken window on the passenger side of his car and told TVBS at least five of the objects hit his cab, but no one inside had been hurt.

Two passers-by had been treated at a hospital for slight injuries, TVBS reported. Other TV stations reported up to five people were hurt, but officials weren't confirming the numbers.

The accident prompted authorities to temporarily shut down a recently opened mall that's attached to the partially completed building.

Fell on school grounds

Teachers at Hsinyi Elementary School found 28 pieces of debris on the grounds, official Lili Lee told CTI cable news.

"The sound was enormous, the pupils all heard it, but it was class time so all the children were inside," Lee said.

Lin said workers didn't think the wind was strong enough to pose a threat.

Last month, engineers installed the pinnacle on the 1,600-foot-tall building.

Taipei 101 is more than 165 feet taller than the world's former highest office building, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The highest freestanding structure remains the 1,800-foot CN Tower in Toronto.