A terrifying incident unfolded at a wedding venue in New Hampshire over the weekend, as a floor collapse plunged dozens of guests into chaos and injury. The event, held at The Preserve at Chocorua in Tamworth, has prompted a thorough investigation by state authorities.
Chaos at the Wedding Reception
According to the New Hampshire Division of Fire Safety, emergency responders were called to the scene shortly after 4:30 p.m. local time on Saturday. Reports indicated that more than 100 people were on the floor when it suddenly gave way, creating a large six-by-six-meter opening that led directly into the building's basement.
"Callers reported that more than 100 people were on the floor when it collapsed into the basement, and multiple people were trapped under beams as well as farming equipment," authorities stated in an official news release. The Sap House building, where the reception was taking place, had 144 guests in attendance at the time of the collapse.
Immediate Response and Injuries
In the immediate aftermath, venue staff and wedding guests sprang into action, providing initial first aid and using ladders to assist those who had fallen through the floor. Their quick thinking likely prevented a more severe outcome.
Despite these efforts, the collapse resulted in significant injuries. Six adults were transported to nearby hospitals with life-threatening conditions, while dozens more received treatment at the scene. By 10 p.m. on Saturday, only two individuals remained hospitalized, according to local reports from WMUR.
Authorities Investigate Overcrowding Concerns
New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey addressed the incident, emphasizing the role of the initial responders. "We're very fortunate that more people didn't get seriously injured out here tonight," Toomey told WBTS. "It's a testament to the folks, the staff and the other wedding guests, that stepped up immediately to help render aid and get people out of harm's way, get them to safety."
He added that the combined efforts of the guests and the fire department "made a big difference here tonight." However, the investigation is far from over. Authorities have indicated that preliminary findings suggest the building may have been over capacity prior to the collapse.
"We'll look at fire code and building code and evaluate that as part of our investigation," Toomey noted, highlighting the focus on compliance with safety regulations.
Ongoing Safety Review
The incident has raised serious questions about venue safety and occupancy limits. As the investigation continues, officials will be examining whether the building's structural integrity was compromised by the number of guests present. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to established safety protocols in public venues.
No further updates have been provided on the condition of the injured individuals, but the community and authorities remain vigilant as they work to determine the exact cause of the collapse and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
