The fixture fell from just below the roof and crashed in the middle of the adjacent street. Another piece dangled in the wind, prompting police to cordon the area off and temporarily prevent about a dozen cars from leaving the garage.
An Associated Press reporter who had just left the casino witnessed the incident.
"I heard a noise and saw shattering all around me and I just ran," said the woman, who had to dodge debris including small wires and pieces of plastic.
The woman and her husband, who live in Bucks County, Pa., spoke only on the condition that they not be named. Her husband said they were guests of the hotel and he frequently does business with it.
He said if anyone had been driving by at that moment, they could have been killed.
"That was one lucky lady," said city resident Raymond Larry, who passed by shortly afterward.
A call to a casino spokeswoman was not immediately returned Wednesday.
It was the latest in a series of troubles that has befallen the Tropicana in recent years.
In 2003, a parking garage under construction collapsed, killing four workers and injuring 36 others.
In April, several people were hurt when an overcrowded elevator at the Tropicana quickly descended and came to a sudden stop.
About two weeks ago, a crane carrying two window washers cleaning the side of the building toppled over, forcing firefighters to engage in an aerial rescue using ropes lowered from the top of the building.
In December, the state stripped the Tropicana's former owners of their casino license, citing poor performance regarding cleanliness, service and compliance with state regulations. The property, which includes New Jersey's largest hotel at 2,129 rooms, is now for sale.
