Wedding joy turns to horror: over 60 injured, including children, as ancient Italian monastery ceiling collapses during reception

"It was anticipated to be the pinnacle of joy. Instead, it morphed into a horrifying nightmare," observed the "Corriere della Sera."

As per Italian media reports, the tragic incident unfolded on Saturday (January 13) during a wedding held in the historical former Giaccherino monastery (a 15th-century edifice) in Pontelungo, Tuscany.

At the height of the celebration, the building's ceiling unexpectedly caved in, causing guests to be buried under rubble. This incident occurred in a room on the first floor, renovated to serve as a restaurant.

According to "Corriere della Sera", the event was attended by 150 guests, but at the time of the ceiling collapse, more than 60 were in the room.

The media initially reported that 30 people had been harmed. However, the local authorities later declared that the figure had risen to over 60. Among the injured were children and a woman in her seventh month of pregnancy.

Although considered severe, none of the injuries sustained by five individuals is deemed life-threatening - according to Eugenio Giani, President of Tuscany, who gave an update late at night.

Ambulances, fire brigades, and other emergency resources were dispatched to the scene, as reported by local authorities. The injured were expedited to hospitals in Pistoia, Careggi, Prato, and several other cities.

President Giani underscored the successful execution of the rescue operation and the pride of Tuscany in the face of adversity. He expressed gratitude to each rescuer and healthcare worker who intervened in the critical situation on his Facebook profile.