Is a barrel of beer dropping from the upstairs of a warehouse on a pedestrian walking down the street below?

Counsel for the appellants suggests that this case is analogous to a barrel of beer dropping from the upstairs of a warehouse on a pedestrian walking the street below, invoking memories of the fact situation in Byrne v. Boadle [1863] 2 H. & C. 722. In the statement of claim, the appellants "specifically plead and rely upon the doctrine res ipsa loquitur".