Stage collapses at 'Wonderland Eve' party at Hilton

Wonderland stage collapses on 31st eve Hilton party ......
President's son and others present
It is understood that a Wonderland stage with over 200 persons erected to celebrate the New Year yesterday (Dec 31) night had collapsed and the majority of people there had faced injury. This VIP party had been held at Hotel Hilton, Colombo. Though it was reported that a son of the President too had been present on this occasion, his name had not been revealed.

This incident had taken place towards midnight when the party is supposed to have been in full swing. It was learnt that a large number of those present had been dancing on the stage which was constructed in the form of the American Wonderland and it had given way when the crowd had reached its peak in number and most people were reported injured.

It was understood that it was difficult to find ambulances at short notice to take the injured to hospital and the wounded were despatched to hospital by private vehicles available there. Identities of the wounded still have not been disclosed.

Many of the participants who attended the party it is understood, were affluent young people of the elite class and it is assumed that the stage had collapsed because of the rush and thrust while dancing was going on with over 200 people on the floor and the stage was not able to hold the weight of the crowd so dancing.

Authorities of Hotel Hilton had declined to give a statement and had only said that a media announcement would be made about the incident in a short while.

This festival occasion had been organised by an institution by the name of Cantaloupe Playground Colpetty. What they say is that this mishap may have occured as a result of a mistake on the part of those involved in charge of the construction of the stage. They have further expressed their regret with regard to the incident and have by now expressed their apologies via their page on the Facebook.