At least 70 people were left trapped when a floor collapsed at a wedding venue in Tamworth, New Hampshire, injuring six attendees. The incident occurred at The Preserve at Chocorua, a popular venue for celebrations, where about 140 people were gathered for a wedding.
The Collapse
The collapse took place as the wedding ceremony was beginning. Floorboards buckled, creating a 20-foot by 20-foot hole that caused guests to fall eight feet into the basement. Some were trapped by fallen beams and farm equipment stored in the lower level.
Rescue Efforts Before First Responders Arrived
Before emergency responders could arrive, guests and staff at the wedding helped some of the victims who had fallen. Ladders were lowered into the basement, and those with minor injuries were treated on-site. First responders later confirmed that around 145 people were present at the event.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Once emergency services arrived, six people were rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Many others received treatment at the scene.
A photograph from the Fire Marshal’s Office shows the chandelier and white bunting that decorated the ceiling above the collapsed floor. Another image captured firefighters tending to frightened guests near the venue.
Investigating the Cause of the Collapse
Investigators believe that the building—known as the Sap House—was likely over capacity before the collapse. A Fire Marshal’s Office statement revealed that staff and guests had already started providing first aid and helping others with the ladders before the first responders arrived.
“When first responders arrived on scene, they learned that venue staff and wedding guests had already provided initial first aid to some guests and used ladders to help individuals who fell through the collapsed floor,” said the statement.
Ongoing Investigation
The incident is under investigation to determine its cause. Authorities are looking into whether the venue was overcrowded and if the building’s condition contributed to the collapse.
