Party ends as guests fall

Press, 5 December 1988, Page 8

Party ends as guests fall

PA Auckland The festive season claimed a number of early casualties when the balcony of an Auckland house collapsed beneath partygoers gathering to watch Santa arrive. The sudden descent left guests sprawling on the lawn and brought about the downfall of the lavish Remuera occasion on Saturday evening. About 120 people had been invited to the event, complete with band and professional caterers.

A highlight was to be the arrival about midnight of Santa, who was to arrive in a boat and dock at the foot of the section on Orakei Creek.

As the hour drew near, an estimated 50 guests crowded on to a section of decking. But the decking, which appears to have been added after the house was built, could not take the strain, With a crack, described by one witness as “like fireworks exploding,” the balcony

split from the posts supporting one end. It hung momentarily at an angle, sliding some partygoers on to the steep lawn. The other end of the deck then tore free from the house and completed the 4m drop with some guests still on board. Four people were taken to hospital by ambulance while others went by private car. No-one was badly hurt, although there were a number of cuts and jarred ankles, backs and necks. The host, Mr Grant Swinson, said yesterday he did not want to discuss the incident. “We had the band, the caterers, the printed invitations — it was going to be a great night but we had a bit of bad luck.

“It was just one of those unfortunate things. Nobody was to know that the deck was going to collapse, it was built using the best materials,” he said. “I am embarrassed and humiliated that some of my guests were hurt in this way.”