Police Told Band To Keep Playing After Balcony Collapse

Dunedin Police apparently told a band to keep playing after a balcony collapsed at a gig at a student flat, throwing people to the ground around three metres below.

Around 1500 people were packed into the courtyard between the student flats to see Six60 perform. At least 20 people were on the balcony when it cracked off the side of the Castle Street house last night.

Police said 14 people were treated at Dunedin Hospital. Two had serious injuries.

One witness said police and security told the band to keep playing, so it wouldn't create too much commotion.

"Obviously people were concerned and there were people hurt, but the band carried on," he said.

"Some people were still in party mode...obviously friends or acquaintances followed the injured out and were pretty shocked."

He also saw people with head injuries and broken bones.

"We saw people that had blood running from their heads and injuries to limbs and things like that."

Otago University's vice chancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne, said they were offering full support to those students injured tonight.

"Our thoughts and deepest concerns are with the students, their families and friends at this time.''

She said staff were not aware of the concert until late this afternoon.

Newstalk ZB