Cape Town bar balcony collapses, injuring 21

The owner of La Trip Club & Social in the Central Business District of Cape Town has confirmed that 21 people were injured following the collapse of a balcony on the side of the building.

La Trip Club & Social, a newly opened bar belonging to the same group as Cape Town’s popular Athletic Club & Social venue, has been forced to close pending an investigation into the collapse of its balcony.

The incident, which took place at 5.30pm on Thursday 2 November, resulted in 21 people being rushed to nearby hospitals.

In a video taken at the bar, dozens of guests can be seen lying on the ground among the debris, while others attempt to help the injured.

Local reports suggest there were no life-threatening injuries.

Bar owner Athos Euripidou has confirmed that sister venue Athletic Club & Social will also temporarily close “until we can ensure that the balcony structure is not compromised.”

“We are all shocked and deeply saddened by the incident and wish to extend our heartfelt apology to those who were affected and are praying that all those injured make a swift and full recovery,’ said Euripidou in a statement.

‘We pride ourselves on our world-class offering to consumers and this has come as an enormous shock to all of us,’ he added.

The City of Cape Town’s building inspectors have visited the site, but the cause of the balcony’s collapse is still under investigation.

‘We are fully committed to working with the City of Cape Town and other relevant authorities to determine what caused the balcony to give way and to ensure we can resume operations in a safe and secure manner,’ said Euripidou.

Described by Cape Town’s Inside Guide as being a “discreet new social club, hidden away off Buitengracht Street, which celebrates a retro Italian vibe in décor and style”, La Trip opened in October 2023, and was barely open a month before the incident occurred.