Children injured as giant LEGO display falls at Massachusetts arcade on New Year's Eve
- During a New Year's Eve event in Peabody, Massachusetts, balloons were to be released from netting attached to a Lego display.
- The display collapsed onto guests after staff struggled to release the balloons, resulting in injuries.
- Fortunately, the injuries were minor, and the incident prompted a reassessment of safety measures at the venue.
In Peabody, Massachusetts, during a Noon's New Year's Eve celebration held in the popular family entertainment center known as 'In The Game,' an accident occurred that led to injuries among attendees. The event aimed to engage children and families by releasing dozens of colorful balloons from nets suspended in the air, which were attached to a large Lego display positioned 12 feet high. Staff members were preparing for the perfect balloon drop when they encountered difficulties in releasing the balloons as planned. The situation escalated when someone mistakenly yanked the netting too forcefully, causing the large display to topple over and fall onto the unsuspecting crowd below. The Lego structure, made of numerous blocks, crashed down, resulting in panic and chaos as parents and children attempted to navigate the falling debris. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene filled with frightened children, parents rushing to check on their loved ones, and several individuals sustaining injuries amidst the confusion. Emerging reports from the Peabody Fire Department confirmed that ten individuals were hurt, comprising six children and four adults. Fortunately, the injuries sustained were classified as minor, primarily consisting of cuts and scrapes. Emergency services promptly arrived at the location, with eight injured parties transported to nearby hospitals for treatment while the remaining two individuals declined ambulance assistance. As witnesses recounted the overload of frantic activity, sentiments ranged from empathy for those hurt to disbelief at the rapid succession of events. Following the incident, 'In The Game' temporarily closed its doors to reassess the situation but later reopened. The incident raised concerns about safety protocols, particularly regarding the securing of structures used in public displays. Management has stated they are cooperating with the authorities during their investigation, underscoring that they believed this was not a structural collapse but rather an unfortunate chain of events. The community continues to process the aftermath of what was meant to be a joyful celebration turned tragic, reminding families of the importance of safety during public events.