A shocking video has surfaced showing the moment a balcony came crashing down under dozens of Sydney school leavers partying at a beachfront rental in Vincentia, on the NSW south coast.
The Party That Ended in Disaster
About 40 teens were crammed onto the small balcony of the group’s getaway, overlooking the ocean, when the wooden platform suddenly buckled shortly before midnight on Saturday. The party was in full swing, with loud music and revellers dancing with their hands raised in the air. But then, chaos erupted.
Terrified Screams and Panic
The joyful atmosphere quickly turned into terrified screams and panicked shouting when the balcony collapsed. Partygoers were heard swearing as the screen cartwheeled and then went black. “Oh my God!” a girl repeatedly screamed. Footage of the chaotic aftermath showed frantic partygoers surrounding their injured friends lying on the ground.
Injuries and Aftermath
Four teens, one male and three females, were taken to hospital with leg and back injuries, while 10 others escaped with minor injuries. The collapsed balcony remained cordoned off on Sunday as partygoers inspected the damage and began cleaning up after a chaotic night. Most of the balcony railings remained intact, with clothing still hung on them, as the collapsed wooden platform leaned against the side of the property.
Locals Speak Out
Shocked locals expressed relief that no one had been killed or seriously maimed in the horror collapse. One neighbour told Daily Mail Australia: “We could hear the music pumping and then all of a sudden, all hell broke loose… It was like ‘boom!’… you could hear it crashing down and the screaming – next thing you know, there are sirens blaring and the whole scene is lit up.”
The Aftermath: Parents Arrive and Teens Clean Up
The teens were still cleaning up the scene on Sunday morning as their parents began to arrive to inspect the damage. A trio of teens staying at the property greeted Daily Mail Australia with sheepish grins as they went about cleaning up the house. They explained that they had been unwinding after the end of school and had even invited the entire street to their party.
The Rental Property: ‘Seaside Reflections’
The ‘Seaside Reflections’ property, located on Elizabeth Drive in Vincentia, is a popular vacation rental that comfortably sleeps eight people for $280 a night. The online listing boasts spectacular views of Jervis Bay and a master bedroom with a private balcony with stair access to the backyard/beach.
A Close Call
Longtime resident Ben McKenzie, who lives just across the road, said he had helped the teens inspect the damage on Sunday morning and described the group as “a great bunch of kids.” He added: “They told me one of them had broken their ankle, another had dislocated their shoulder, and a couple of others were left with abrasions.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of property maintenance and safety, especially during peak party seasons. As one neighbour aptly put it: “It’s just lucky no one was seriously hurt.”