Credited from: THEGUARDIAN
In a startling incident at a family fun center in Peabody, Massachusetts, ten individuals were injured after a large toy brick display collapsed onto a crowded area. The incident occurred on Tuesday during a New Year’s Eve celebration at the In the Game family fun center. According to police, the disaster unfolded when "a display was pulled down by balloons attached to it, causing it to fall" (The Guardian).
All ten victims sustained minor injuries, with eight requiring hospital treatment, although it remains unclear how many affected were children. The chaotic scene was documented in a video shared on social media, showcasing balloons within a netting tethered to the massive structure. Fire officials reported that the display, which plummeted about 12 feet onto the crowd, was dismantled during a balloon drop intended for the festivities (The Guardian).
Eyewitness accounts describe the aftermath as "pure chaos." One observer recounted, "Large toy bricks were everywhere, kids were crying, there were tons of people all in the office, some with ice packs over their heads" (NBC10 Boston). Shortly following the incident, the arcade was closed for safety inspections but was permitted to reopen soon after, as there was reported to be "no structural damage" to the facility (Boston Globe).
The arcade's management stated they are collaborating with local authorities to manage the situation effectively. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with large public displays in crowded environments. For further details, please refer to the article by The Guardian.