Group photo attempt led to fatal Melbourne balcony crash

A BRAVE act after a balcony collapsed during a Christmas party saved multiple lives, witnesses said. The news comes as victims are identified.

THE balcony collapse that killed two women in Melbourne at the weekend was the result of a Christmas photo gone terribly wrong, a neighbour has revealed.

Describing the crash as “biblical”, Andrew Stone said the group of about 30 people had gathered on the balcony of the Doncaster East home to take a group photo.

The railing of the large balcony remained intact, but its wooden floor gave in under the group’s weight causing partygoers to fall and become trapped underneath.

A 59-year-old Croydon woman died at the scene and a Reservoir woman, 37, died in hospital on Sunday morning.

The Croydon woman has been named as Cheryl Taylor, a manager with Tupperware, and much-loved mother and friend.

“There is a light and it never goes out,” her daughter, Melissa, posted in a tribute on Facebook.

Balcony fall victim Cheryl Taylor. Source Facebook

Mrs Taylor was described in further posts as a “fabulous”, “generous”, “kind-hearted” woman with “a heart of gold” and an “outrageous sense of humour”.

Melissa Taylor and mother Cheryl, who was killed in the balcony fall. Picture: Facebook

The scene at Balinga Court on Saturday night. Picture: Patrick Herve

Meanwhile, the shocked partner of one the partygoers has revealed that her husband’s brave actions immediately after the collapse may have saved more lives.

Leisa Willson, who took a selfie on the same deck at the Tupperware party only 12 months before, said when the balcony section collapsed, a fridge began sliding towards the gaping hole.

“My husband just kind of went into survival mode I guess, and Matt stopped it (the fridge) and he held it up on the deck,” he told The Daily Mail.

“There was probably 20 people down there and it would’ve crushed all of them ... no doubt there would have been more casualties.

Leisa Willson (left) took the group selfie at last year’s party. Picture: Facebook.

“A lot of people are saying they owe their lives to him, but he doesn’t want to hear it — he just wishes he could’ve saved the girls lives,” she said.

Another guest at the party, Casey Leerentveld, shared her devastation at losing “two wonderful nother friends and colleagues” in the tragedy.

“Just wanted to let all know I’m OK,” the Tupperware consultant wrote on Facebook on Sunday night.

“Thanks to everyone who has sent us their well wishes. Dislocated knee, fractured heel and lots of glass in my legs to be removed.

“Still in shock and absolutely devastated at losing two wonderful friends and colleagues in this tragedy.”

The balcony collapsed during what is believed to have been a Christmas party for Tupperware sales consultants.

The rental property had been the location of the same party last year. A post to host Eve Nunn’s Facebook page shows a group photo from the event, with about 30 guests gathered on the balcony.

It is believed the photo was taken at last year’s Christmas party from the same Tupperware group.

An image from realestate.com.au show the rental property’s spacious balcony.

Ten women and seven men, aged between 20 and 69, were taken to hospital and treated for soft tissue injuries, fractures and lacerations.

About a dozen others were treated by paramedics at the scene.

Neighbours were shocked at the horror accident.

“The crash was biblical. The sound of it was nothing like I had heard before,” Mr Stone told reporters at the scene.

“People were bringing out chairs and pillows and blankets and things like that just to help out the people who were injured.”

Fire and ambulance crews spent hours at the scene. Picture: Patrick Herve

Dozens of guests were treated at the scene and taken to hospital. Picture: Patrick Herve

A guest at the party Jade Moana wrote on Facebook she was “tired, sore & shaken”, and said she and her husband were “both grateful to be here”.

The balcony collapse prompted a major emergency services response with police, firefighters and paramedics swarming to the “chaotic” scene.

“This is a very tragic incident for those involved and our thoughts are with them and their loved ones at this time,” Ambulance Victoria state health commander Paul Holman said.

The damage from above. Picture: Seven News

A number of Tupperware cars remained parked outside the house on Sunday morning, while Christmas lights were still on at the home’s entrance.

Tupperware products are marketed directly to buyers by a network of sales people and the brand has become synonymous with food storage containers.

Police are investigating the collapse and will prepare a report for the coroner.