A LEGO display accident at a New Year's Eve celebration in Peabody, Massachusetts, resulted in minor injuries to ten individuals. The incident occurred when a large LEGO structure, adorned with balloons, toppled onto a crowd of adults and children. Eight people were taken to the hospital for treatment, while two declined medical assistance. The event was meant to kick off the new year with festive activities, including a balloon drop. Initial reports suggested a ceiling collapse, but it was later confirmed that the issue stemmed from a LEGO display on a balcony. The structure, approximately 8 feet tall, fell due to employees attempting to release balloons attached to it.
Unfortunate Incident During Festive Celebrations
The festive atmosphere turned chaotic when an unexpected event marred the celebrations. As revelers gathered to welcome the new year, a massive LEGO structure collapsed onto a group of attendees. The display, which was part of the festivities, included balloons and stood around 8 feet high. Initially, emergency services thought it was a structural failure, but upon arrival, they discovered it was the LEGO installation that had fallen. Four adults and six children sustained minor injuries, primarily cuts and scrapes. The fire department responded promptly, ensuring the safety of all present and reopening the venue shortly after their departure.
The celebration at In the Game arcade was advertised as a noon kickoff party to usher in the new year. It featured a balloon drop and confetti shower. However, the excitement quickly turned into panic when the net holding the balloons failed to release properly. Employees attempted to manually pull the net, leading to the LEGO structure collapsing onto the crowd. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with LEGO pieces scattered everywhere and children crying. Some attendees even collected LEGO pieces as souvenirs amidst the confusion. Fire Chief John Dowling confirmed that the incident was accidental and reassured the public about the arcade's quick reopening following the event.
Response and Aftermath
In the aftermath of the incident, immediate action was taken by local authorities to ensure the safety of all attendees. Emergency services arrived swiftly, providing necessary medical care to those injured. The majority of the injured were treated and released, while the arcade resumed operations within half an hour. Statements from officials emphasized that the collapse was unintentional, and the company is cooperating fully with ongoing assessments.
Following the incident, In the Game arcade issued a statement indicating their cooperation with authorities as they evaluate the situation. The management acknowledged the mishap and assured patrons of their commitment to safety. Eyewitness accounts highlighted the suddenness and shock of the event. One attendee described the moment of impact, capturing the fear and confusion that ensued. Despite the chaos, the arcade reopened promptly, underscoring their dedication to maintaining normalcy. The fire chief reiterated that the collapse was accidental, emphasizing the importance of proper setup and supervision during such events to prevent similar incidents in the future.