A floor collapse at a wedding venue in Tamworth, New Hampshire, has left several individuals injured, prompting a significant emergency response over the weekend. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 21, during a wedding at The Preserve at Chocorua, a venue noted for its picturesque setting that features historic buildings across a 26-acre site.
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The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office reported that the floor gave way around 4:30 p.m. local time, with more than 100 guests present at the time of the collapse. Many attendees fell through an opening measuring approximately 20 by 20 feet into the basement beneath. Initial emergency calls indicated that multiple individuals were trapped under debris, which included beams and farming equipment.
First responders from Tamworth Fire and Rescue quickly arrived at the scene. Upon their arrival, they discovered that venue staff and other guests had already initiated first aid for some of those injured and had even employed ladders to assist people who had fallen through the collapsed floor. This immediate response is being credited with preventing further injuries.
Ultimately, six adults were transported to local hospitals due to non-life-threatening injuries. As of the latest updates, four of these individuals have been discharged, but the full extent of injuries from the incident remains under review by authorities.
Investigators are actively looking into the circumstances surrounding the collapse. Preliminary findings suggest that the venue may have been exceeding its capacity at the time of the incident, as officials believe there were approximately 144 people in attendance in the venue’s Sap House.
Sean Toomey, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal, expressed relief that more severe injuries had not occurred. He praised the quick actions by both the venue staff and guests which aided in the safe extraction of individuals trapped in the aftermath. “We’re very fortunate that more people didn’t get seriously injured out here tonight,” Toomey stated in an interview.
The Preserve at Chocorua, which dates back to 1778, is marketed as a serene natural getaway, offering a range of facilities including a historic farmhouse, barn, and cottages. The venue has not made an official comment regarding the incident as they are likely cooperating with investigators looking into the matter.
The investigation aims to assess the structural integrity of the venue as well as compliance with safety regulations. Building inspections and regulatory compliance checks will likely form a key part of understanding how such a serious incident occurred during what was meant to be a joyous occasion.
As the local community processes the implications of this incident, the focus now lies on ensuring safety in event spaces across the state to prevent any recurrence of such an alarming scenario in the future. Authorities are expected to give further updates as their investigation proceeds.