What was supposed to be a night of celebrating in Tamworth, New Hampshire, turned frightening on Saturday when part of the dance floor at a wedding reception suddenly collapsed, dropping guests into the level below and leaving multiple people injured, according to officials. Witnesses described a rush of shouting and confusion as emergency crews poured in, ambulances lined up nearby, and authorities moved quickly to secure the building and clear the area.
The Tamworth Police Department announced a temporary road closure at 88 Philbrick Neighborhood Road, the listed address for the Preserve at Chocorua, while multiple fire departments worked the scene, according to NBC10 Boston. The New Hampshire Department of Safety said members of the state fire marshal's office responded to investigate. Officials noted that the exact number of people hurt and the severity of their injuries had not yet been confirmed.
Emergency response and investigation
Firefighters, ambulance crews and medevac teams from surrounding communities converged on the wedding venue as responders triaged victims, treated injuries on site and checked for anyone who might be trapped in the damaged area. Tamworth police urged drivers to steer clear of Philbrick Neighborhood Road so emergency vehicles could move in and out quickly while crews worked and investigators began examining the structure to determine why the floor failed.
About the venue
The Preserve at Chocorua is a White Mountains estate that promotes weddings, lodging and private events at 88 Philbrick Neighborhood Road. Both the venue's website and the town's business directory list the address and describe event spaces on the property. The Preserve did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.
Next steps
State fire marshals are leading the investigation into what caused the floor to give way, and local officials said they will release more details as they verify them. NBC10 Boston reported that its journalists had reached out to the Preserve for comment. Authorities asked anyone who has information, photos or video from the event to contact Tamworth police.
