Wedding Guests Plunge Into Basement As Couple’s Day Literally Falls Out From Under Them

Six people were hurt Saturday when the floor gave way during a wedding reception in Tamworth, New Hampshire, causing dozens of guests to plunge into the basement below, authorities said.

Emergency crews from Tamworth Fire/Rescue were called to The Preserve at Chocorua around 4:33 p.m. after reports that part of the floor had collapsed during the celebration. The response was confirmed in a joint statement issued by Tamworth Fire/Rescue Chief Richard Colcord and New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey.

Officials said that 144 people were inside the building at the time of the incident. Investigators believe more than 100 guests were gathered on the section of floor that failed, creating an opening roughly 20 feet by 20 feet. About 70 people fell through the hole into the basement when the structure gave way.

Some of those who fell became trapped beneath beams and pieces of farming equipment stored below, according to authorities.

Before emergency crews arrived, venue employees and wedding guests began providing first aid to the injured. Firefighters later assisted in helping additional people out of the basement and assessed those hurt in the collapse.

Six individuals were taken to nearby hospitals with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. As of the time of publication, four of those patients had already been released. No deaths were reported.

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into what caused the collapse. While the inquiry is still in its early stages, officials believe the building may have been holding more people than it was designed to accommodate.

Toomey said investigators will review both fire safety regulations and building codes as part of the investigation.

He also commended the quick response of staff and guests who helped the injured before emergency crews arrived, noting that their actions likely prevented the situation from becoming more serious.

Authorities said the wedding was taking place inside the venue’s Sap House building, which is described on the property’s website as a traditional New England maple sugar shack used for events and gatherings.