At least 16 people were reportedly injured after a section of spectator seating collapsed at a castle in France, shortly before a scheduled performance, according to initial reports circulating Wednesday.
The incident reportedly occurred as spectators were gathering ahead of the show when part of the temporary bleacher structure suddenly gave way, causing several people to fall and prompting an immediate emergency response.
Firefighters, paramedics and other emergency personnel were called to the site, where they treated the injured and secured the area around the collapsed structure. Initial reports put the number of people hurt at 16, although detailed information about the severity of their injuries was not immediately available.
The scheduled performance was disrupted as emergency crews worked at the scene and authorities restricted access to the affected area.
Investigators are expected to examine the structure to determine why the seating collapsed. Among the issues likely to be considered are the condition of the temporary installation, its assembly and whether it complied with applicable safety requirements.
France hosts hundreds of concerts, theatrical performances and historical shows at castles and heritage sites during the summer tourist season, with some venues relying on temporary seating and other infrastructure to accommodate large audiences.
The incident is expected to renew attention on safety procedures surrounding temporary spectator structures at cultural and entertainment events, particularly at historic locations where venues may not have been originally designed for large modern audiences.
Authorities had not publicly established the precise cause of the collapse in the initial reports.
Further details, including the condition of those injured and the findings of the investigation, are expected as authorities provide additional information.
