Paraná bar collapse leaves at least 15 injured

A wooden mezzanine collapsed at the Las Piedras bar in central Paraná, Argentina, during a birthday celebration on Friday night. The incident occurred around 11:30 PM at the intersection of Córdoba and Alameda de la Federación. As guests were singing “happy birthday,” the structure gave way, causing people to fall from a height of approximately two and a half to three meters.

At least 15 people were injured in the accident. While initial reports indicated seven people were transferred to Hospital San Martín for complex evaluations, police officials later confirmed that 11 individuals were admitted to the hospital. Most of those hospitalized were young people treated for various traumas and cuts; 11 of those patients have since been discharged. Some victims were reportedly taken to private medical facilities by their families.

The collapse also damaged the building's main staircase, necessitating rescue operations by firefighters and municipal personnel. In response to the incident, the Municipality of Paraná has issued a preventive closure of the establishment. Local authorities stated the venue held a valid permit and the mezzanine was included in official technical plans, but the business must now present a technical plan to ensure structural safety before it can reopen.