Two remain hospitalized following wedding venue floor collapse

A large section of the sap house floor collapsed causing dozens of wedding guests to fall into the cellar. (NHFMO)

TAMWORTH - The investigation into a floor collapse at a Tamworth wedding venue on Saturday continues as the state Fire Marshal's Office pores over evidence to determine the exact cause.

Of the six people seriously injured two remain hospitalized, however their conditions were not available.

Investigators have confirmed the distance between the collapsed floor and the basement, where guests fell, is about eight feet.

The ongoing probe is focusing on follow-up interviews and collecting records related to the property, including past inspections, permits, and applicable building and fire codes, according to a statement released on Monday by the Fire Marshals Office.

Preliminary findings indicate that the Sap House building, where the collapse occurred, predates the State's building code.

Meanwhile, the occupancy load for the space, as required by the State Fire Code, remains under review. The layout of the space, seating types, and the exit capacity are factors being considered within that review, according to safety officials.

The property owner has been cooperative throughout the investigation, officials say.

The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday drawing Tamworth Fire/Rescue The Preserve at Chocorua at 88 Philbrick Neighborhood Road for reports that a floor had collapsed during a wedding.

The floor collapse caused eventgoers to fall into the basement, trapping multiple people under beams as well as farming equipment.

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. Firefighters assisted additional guests and began on-scene evaluations of those who reported injuries.

Investigators with the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office are leading the investigation into the incident. The preliminary investigation determined that at the start of the wedding ceremony, 144 guests were in the venue's Sap House building when the floor collapsed and nearly 70 people, about half of the guests, fell through an approximately 20-by-20-foot opening into the basement.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.