TAMWORTH, N.H. – A wedding celebration at The Preserve at Chocorua in Tamworth, New Hampshire, took a frightening turn Saturday when the floor of a building known as the Sap House partially collapsed during the ceremony, sending dozens of guests tumbling into a basement area. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse, with initial reports pointing to a possible overloading of the structure. The incident underscores the critical importance of building safety and capacity limits at event venues.
The collapse occurred as approximately 144 people were gathered inside the nearly 800-square-foot building, according to New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey. Around 70 guests fell approximately eight feet into a walkout basement. Emergency responders were quickly on the scene to provide assistance and assess injuries. This incident involving a New Hampshire State Fire Marshal investigation is raising questions about venue safety protocols.
As of late Saturday, six people were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Four of those individuals have since been discharged, officials confirmed. It’s possible that other attendees sought medical attention independently, utilizing personal vehicles. The extent of injuries sustained by those who fell is currently being evaluated, but authorities have indicated that none appear to be life-threatening.
Initial Investigation Points to Overcrowding
Fire Marshal Toomey stated that a preliminary assessment suggests the floor collapse was likely caused by an overloading situation. “It looks like, preliminarily, that there’s probably overloading situation in the structure. There’s more people in there that probably should have been in,” he said. The Sap House, described as an older building frequently used for wedding ceremonies and events at The Preserve at Chocorua, is now the focus of a thorough structural review. Investigators will be examining building plans, occupancy permits and adherence to safety regulations.
The Preserve at Chocorua is a popular destination for weddings and events in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. The venue features a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Sap House, which is known for its rustic charm. The incident raises concerns about the capacity limits and structural integrity of the building, particularly given its age and frequent use for large gatherings.
What We Know About the Venue and the Incident
The Sap House, where the incident occurred, is described as a building with a walkout basement. A walkout basement has a door or entrance leading directly to the outside, which likely aided in the evacuation process following the collapse. The building’s age is a key factor in the investigation, as older structures may not be designed to withstand the same loads as modern buildings. The Preserve at Chocorua has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, but is cooperating with authorities.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the floor gave way. Guests were reportedly in the initial stages of the wedding ceremony when the collapse occurred. First responders faced the challenge of safely extracting individuals from the basement area and providing medical attention to the injured. Local ambulance services and fire departments from surrounding towns assisted in the response.
Impact on Wedding Guests and Future Events
The incident has understandably left wedding guests shaken, and traumatized. Counseling services may be offered to those affected by the event. The wedding ceremony was abruptly halted, and guests were asked to evacuate the building. The future of the wedding celebration remains uncertain, but the couple involved is reportedly safe and receiving support from family and friends.
The collapse is also likely to have a significant impact on future events scheduled at The Preserve at Chocorua. The venue will likely be subject to increased scrutiny from building inspectors and safety officials. It’s possible that the Sap House will be temporarily closed while repairs are made and safety measures are implemented. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety at event venues.
Authorities have not released the names of those injured in the collapse, citing privacy concerns. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s office is leading the investigation, with assistance from local building inspectors and structural engineers. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Tamworth Police Department.
The Preserve at Chocorua has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident. However, the venue’s website states that We see committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. The incident raises questions about whether that commitment was adequately fulfilled in this case.
The investigation will focus on determining whether the building was properly maintained, whether occupancy limits were adhered to, and whether any structural deficiencies contributed to the collapse. The findings of the investigation could lead to changes in building codes and safety regulations for event venues in New Hampshire and beyond.
The next update from the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s office regarding the investigation is expected early next week. Authorities will likely provide a more detailed assessment of the cause of the collapse and outline any steps that will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below. If you or someone you know was affected by this incident, please reach out to local authorities for assistance.
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