INLSA
The collapsed first-storey balcony of a house in Walkerville. About 30 people were on it when the support columns gave way. Photo: Dumisani Dube
At least one partygoer was taken to hospital on Saturday night when a first-storey wooden balcony collapsed at a party in Walkerville, south of Joburg.
The woman, believed to be in her 20s, was discharged last night. Several others were also believed to be injured, but The Star was unable to confirm this at the time of going to print.
The South Family Reunion Party was held at a house on a stand at the Walkerville Fruit Farms.
Partygoers said there were at least 30 people on the first-storey balcony when the wooden support columns snapped and the balcony buckled under the pressure.
One reveller, who did not want to be named, said people standing under the balcony were also injured.
The annual small-scale hip-hop event was billed as a secret location party on Facebook.
It offered patrons a swimming pool, braai stands and entertainment. Partygoers were instructed to bring their own alcohol and meat for braaing, and to meet at lunchtime near Southgate Mall, from where they would leave for the secret destination.
When The Star arrived at the Walkerville house yesterday, a woman said the homeowner was not there. She would not provide contact details.
But neighbour Colin Campbell said the accident happened at about 10.30pm.
“I heard a big crack and then the ground shook. I thought, what the hell was that,” Campbell said.
Then Campbell heard screams. The music stopped and within 40 minutes a police car screeched down the road.
Party organiser Tebogo Mabaso was at a family dinner and did not want to comment. – The Star
Read this article:
‘I heard a big crack ’