A bleacher stand collapsed at a New Year party and has left 50 people injured.
The incident occurred while dozens of families were waiting for the start of a traditional New Year’s Day banquet in their local town hall.
The moment was captured by an onlooker who was filming the room.
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As the camera pans round the hall, it reaches the bleachers stand where people can be seen sitting and standing.
Suddenly, the stand falls backward, taking members of the public with it.
Calls were then immediately made to the emergency services, as reported by Need To Know.
It has been confirmed that among the injured are 20 children and 30 adults, all of which remain under observation in hospital.
The event’s organising committee also issued a statement saying they regret what happened.
In a public statement, Raúl Barreno, a member of the committee, said: “We want to clarify that there are no deaths, thank God.
“The structure was not overloaded.”
It has also been reported that the organisers have expressed their solidarity with the injured and promised to provide support to the affected families.
However, local residents pointed out the lack of supervision in the assembly of the stands, although it is unknown whether they meet the necessary safety standards.
The collapse has raised questions about the organisation of big events and the responsibility of local authorities to ensure the safety of attendees.
The incident occurred yesterday, 2 January, in Guatemala.
Fernando Canastú, an eyewitness, told local news: “The collapsed stands were located next to the stage and many children were on the structure at the time of the collapse.
“I would like to make a call to awareness, especially to the organizers of this event.
“I understand that it is a fortuitous event, but in activities of this magnitude prior supervision must be carried out.”
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