A terrifying incident unfolded on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the popular New Orleans sports bar, Wrong Iron, when a portion of the outdoor patio collapsed during the highly anticipated Saints-Eagles game. The collapse, which occurred after a brief rain shower forced a large crowd of patrons to seek refuge on the covered patio, resulted in multiple injuries and sparked a major emergency response as first responders rushed to the scene to assist those affected.
Wrong Iron, located along the Lafitte Greenway, is a well-known sports bar in New Orleans, particularly popular among locals and tourists alike for its expansive outdoor space, communal atmosphere, and love for New Orleans sports. On game days, especially when the Saints are playing, the venue becomes packed with fans eager to cheer on their team. Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles was no exception. The bar had been packed for hours leading up to the game, and the energy was high as the Saints squared off against their NFC rivals.
As the game progressed, a brief but intense rainstorm hit the area, prompting patrons who had been enjoying the open-air portion of the bar to move quickly under the shelter of the patio. The covered patio area at Wrong Iron was designed to accommodate large crowds, but the combination of the weight of the crowd and their movement as they scrambled to find cover caused a portion of the structure to buckle under the pressure. Within moments, the wooden deck collapsed, sending dozens of people crashing down as the floor gave way beneath them.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene as the patio crumbled. People standing near the edges of the patio suddenly found themselves falling as the wood beneath their feet splintered. Glasses, tables, and chairs tumbled into the debris, and panicked screams filled the air as patrons rushed to help those who had been injured in the collapse. The collapse was sudden and unexpected, and many were caught off guard, not realizing what was happening until they were on the ground.
Emergency services were called immediately, and within minutes, first responders from the New Orleans Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the New Orleans Police Department were on the scene. As paramedics began treating the injured, firefighters worked to ensure that no one was trapped under the debris. Fortunately, no one was reported to be stuck beneath the collapsed structure, but the chaotic scene left many patrons shaken and disoriented.
In the immediate aftermath, paramedics evaluated several individuals for injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to more serious conditions. Many of the injured patrons were taken to nearby hospitals for further treatment, though authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of people injured in the incident. Witnesses at the scene estimated that at least a dozen people were hurt, with some suffering from broken bones or head injuries as a result of the fall.
One patron, who had been standing on the patio when it collapsed, described the moment as surreal. “We were all huddled under the patio to get out of the rain, and it was packed,” he said. “People were shoulder-to-shoulder, just trying to stay dry, and then all of a sudden, the floor just gave out. It happened so fast. One minute we were standing there, and the next, people were falling everywhere. I saw tables and chairs flipping over, and I tried to catch myself, but I just went down with everyone else.”
As the dust settled, investigators from the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits arrived at the scene to assess the structural integrity of the bar and begin an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest that the combination of the large crowd and the movement of patrons toward the covered area after the rainstorm contributed to the patio’s failure. Structural engineers will need to conduct a thorough inspection to determine whether the patio’s design or maintenance played a role in the collapse, and whether the venue was in compliance with local safety regulations.
Wrong Iron has long been a favorite among New Orleans residents, known for its spacious outdoor seating and laid-back, communal atmosphere. The bar is a regular destination for sports fans, particularly during football season when Saints games draw large crowds. The venue features large outdoor TV screens and ample seating, making it an ideal spot for watching games with friends while enjoying food and drinks. Sunday’s game between the Saints and the Eagles had attracted a significant number of patrons, and the venue was operating at near capacity when the collapse occurred.
As news of the patio collapse spread, many in the community expressed their shock and concern for those injured in the incident. Social media was flooded with posts from patrons who had been at Wrong Iron at the time, describing the chaos of the scene and expressing relief that the injuries, while significant, did not result in any fatalities. One local resident wrote, “I was at Wrong Iron with friends when it happened. It was so scary—people were falling, and we didn’t know what was going on at first. So thankful that it wasn’t worse, but it’s still awful that so many people got hurt.”
Others questioned whether the venue had been properly prepared to handle such large crowds, especially on game days when the bar is often at or near capacity. Some patrons voiced concerns about the structural safety of the patio, particularly given the weight of so many people standing in one area during the rainstorm. “It was so packed under that patio,” said another witness. “I’m just wondering if the bar was checking to make sure it wasn’t overcrowded. It didn’t seem like there was any kind of crowd control, and with everyone moving at once to get out of the rain, it was just too much.”
Wrong Iron has not yet issued an official statement regarding the collapse, but the owners of the bar are expected to cooperate fully with investigators as they work to determine the cause of the incident. The bar has temporarily closed its doors while the investigation is ongoing, and authorities will need to complete a full safety inspection before the venue can reopen. It remains unclear how long the closure will last, though it will likely depend on the findings of the investigation and any repairs that may be needed to ensure the safety of patrons.
The collapse has raised broader concerns about the safety of outdoor venues in New Orleans, particularly those that rely heavily on large crowds, such as sports bars and concert venues. The city’s vibrant nightlife and social scene are cornerstones of its identity, and many establishments in the area cater to large groups of patrons. However, the incident at Wrong Iron has prompted calls for increased scrutiny of such venues to ensure that they are meeting all safety standards and regulations.
In the meantime, those who were injured in the collapse are beginning the long process of recovery. Many of the patrons who were hospitalized will require ongoing medical care, and it may be weeks or months before they are fully healed. Some have already reached out to legal counsel to explore potential claims against the bar, should it be determined that negligence or structural issues contributed to the collapse.
As the investigation continues, patrons of Wrong Iron and residents of New Orleans are left grappling with the sudden and shocking nature of the event. What had started as an exciting night of football and camaraderie ended in tragedy, as a popular local establishment became the site of a structural failure that left many injured and shaken.
The collapse at Wrong Iron will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the community, as both patrons and business owners seek to understand what went wrong and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future. For now, the focus remains on the injured, their recovery, and the ongoing investigation that will determine the next steps for the bar and its patrons.
The incident has underscored the importance of safety and preparedness at public venues, particularly those that draw large crowds. As New Orleans moves forward from this tragedy, city officials, venue owners, and the public will likely engage in deeper conversations about how to ensure that the city’s beloved social scene remains safe for everyone.
