
Six injured after floor collapses at New Hampshire wedding venue
Six injured after floor collapses at New Hampshire wedding venue
- Around 140 people were attending a wedding event when a floor buckled, creating a 20-foot opening and causing about 70 people to fall into the basement.
- Six individuals sustained injuries and were taken to local hospitals, with some already released by the evening.
- The incident highlights the need for greater oversight concerning venue capacity and safety regulations.
Story
In Tamworth, New Hampshire, a significant incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a floor at The Preserve at Chocorua wedding venue collapsed, injuring several attendees. Approximately 140 guests were present, and the collapse happened around 4:30 p.m., creating a 20-foot by 20-foot opening that sent about 70 people falling into the basement. According to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office, six individuals were transported to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, and thankfully, no fatalities were reported. Four of these individuals were later released from medical care. Emergency responders, including the Tamworth Fire and Rescue Department and local police, quickly arrived at the scene once 911 calls started to come in. Witness accounts indicate that half of the floor in the building, specifically in a part known as the Sap House where the ceremony was planned, had given way. At the time of the collapse, other guests and staff members played a crucial role in assisting rescue efforts. They used ladders to help those who had fallen climb out of the basement and administered first aid to others who sustained minor injuries before first responders arrived. The cause of the floor collapse is currently under investigation, led by the Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from various local agencies. Initial assessments suggest that the building may have been over capacity at the time of the event, indicating a possible contributing factor to the structural failure. Various fire departments were deployed to the venue, which was temporarily closed for ongoing investigations, while the Carroll County Sheriff's Office and the New Hampshire State Police also responded to ensure public safety and gather witness testimonies. As news of the incident broke, local catering companies and service providers expressed their shock and concern for those involved, offering thoughts and support for the injured and first responders. The wedding venue itself has not yet issued a public statement regarding the collapse. This incident has raised significant safety concerns around occupancy limits and structural integrity at event locations, prompting discussions among authorities about potential regulatory revisions and inspections to prevent future tragedies.