Floor Collapses at New Hampshire Wedding Venue, Injuring 6

Investigators say the Preserve at Chocorua may have been overcrowded when the incident occurred.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:11pm

Six people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a floor collapsed at a wedding venue in Tamworth, New Hampshire on Saturday. The incident occurred while a wedding party of about 140 people was present, with the floor of the Sap House building buckling and sending around 70 people into the basement below.

Why it matters

The collapse raises concerns about safety protocols and capacity limits at event venues, especially as the wedding industry continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. Proper oversight and enforcement of building codes is crucial to prevent such incidents and protect public safety.

The details

According to officials, the floor of the Sap House building at the Preserve at Chocorua venue buckled, creating a 20-foot by 20-foot opening and sending around 70 people into the basement below. Several people were trapped by fallen beams and farm equipment stored on the lower floor. Before first responders arrived, other guests and staff helped some of the fallen people climb out using ladders and provided first aid.

  • The floor collapse occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2026.

The players

Preserve at Chocorua

The wedding venue in Tamworth, New Hampshire where the floor collapse incident took place.

New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office

The agency investigating the cause of the floor collapse along with the Tamworth Fire/Rescue Department.

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What’s next

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office and Tamworth Fire/Rescue Department are continuing to investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding the floor collapse.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of event venues strictly adhering to occupancy limits and building safety codes to prevent tragedies. It serves as a wake-up call for the wedding industry to prioritize guest safety over capacity, especially as demand for celebrations rebounds post-pandemic.