Newlyweds Andrew Hughes, 29, and Amy-Lenna Bryce, 26, had just tied the
knot when the hotel steps came crashing down, injuring at least 15.The
wedding party fell at least ten feet, suffering injuries to their legs,
heads and necks.Five were taken to hospital with serious but not
life-threatening injuries last Saturday.
A distraught guest told the Sun
“The day was going wonderfully, with everyone in great spirits, as you’d
imagine.“The bride, groom, friends and family were all on the staircase
getting set for the professional picture.“People were still getting in
to place when there was an almighty crack — it was almost
instantaneous.As soon as everyone was ready, they all came crashing
down.People were screaming, it was horrendous.Although there was a lot
of weight the staircase should have held up.”It completely ruined the
day.
One person is really quite seriously injured, but they were lucky no one was killed.
“The couple had to call other guests who were due to arrive in the evening to cancel.
“They hope to rearrange as the happiest day of their lives turned into a nightmare.”
Dad Christopher Bryce, 52, fought back tears yesterday as he said:
“I could get really angry, but now isn’t the time.“A lot of people are
still recovering from their injuries and my main focus is to help my
daughter in her recovery.”
Authorities are probing the accident at the Holiday Inn in Hemel Hempstead, Herts.
Meanwhile the bride, who was able to walk away with her groom, was struggling to recover from the ordeal.