Wedding Night Turns Chaotic as Power Pole Collapses, Stranding Guest Vehicles for Hours

At the newlyweds’ New Jersey wedding reception, a utility pole crashed, spreading live wires into the parking lot and trapping drivers for hours. Safety concerns kept tourists waiting to reclaim their automobiles after a fun evening.

The pole at Paris Caterers in Berlin, Camden County, snapped halfway up, enabling a transformer and energized cables to fall onto the damp asphalt during the celebration. Downed cables obstructed the parking lot, preventing local police from reaching 11 cars. Luckily, no one was wounded.

About 7:00 p.m., first responders quickly cordoned off the dangerous zone and diverted attendees away from the fallen equipment. For over three hours, guests couldn’t approach their cars until authorities declared the area secure at 10:47 p.m. People exited the venue on foot or demanded rides.

The collapse’s cause is being investigated, but no one is responsible. The electricity company did not respond, and police found no external damage or interaction. The fallen pole destroyed a maid of honor friend’s car and damaged others. The venue blacked out, but the DJ’s backup system and battery-powered LEDs kept music and lighting going.

The bridal party and reception hall guests were puzzled and frightened. Some were instructed to leave their vehicles overnight, while others were told they could leave earlier with a safe escape. The bride maintained calm and mingled to calm her guests, her priority. In the chaos, people danced and chatted while waiting for resolution.

San Francisco will be their honeymoon destination next morning. Despite unexpected disruption, the evening finished with no injuries and harmony.