At least 14 people were injured in a freak accident at The Jungle nightclub on the Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, Westmoreland, about 2:20 yesterday morning.

The accident occurred when approximately 40 patrons disobeyed staff instructions to refrain from climbing over barriers and on top of a section of the roof where they danced and got a vantage point to watch a stage show with Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel and other performers.

"I can't believe that people can behave so irresponsible and foolish by climbing on to the roof and dancing. They repeatedly disobeyed staff's instructions to get off the roof, as it posed a danger. Instead of obeying, they abused the staff, using foul language in some instances," said Richard Wallace, a director of the club.

roof collapsed

Wallace said his staff sought police assistance to remove about 40 patrons from the roof, but while the officers were proceeding to the area, a section of the roof collapsed and a number of persons were injured, including some of those who were on the roof, as well as others who were on the lower floor.

Up to late yesterday morning, emergency personnel had estimated that at least 14 persons turned up at the Savanna-la-Mar General Public Hospital with injuries. Two of them were admitted.

Sandra Renford, one of those injured, lamented how a number of mishaps unfolded prior to her and her nieces attending the party. "The vibes was just not there. It seems God was showing us signs not to go. We were standing below when we heard the roof making strange sounds. Shortly after, it collapsed on us. We were in shock and tried desperately to crawl from beneath the rubble. God was kind to us. I don't plan to go back to anymore of these kinds of events," she said, still complaining of pain in her stomach and legs up to late yesterday evening.

Meanwhile, Wallace said he was extending his sympathies to the injured and said he would endeavour to follow up on their progress as they recuperate. The building was insured.