A Christmas party at a Melbourne house turned to tragedy after a balcony collapsed, killing two women and leaving more than a dozen injured.

Up to 30 people were believed to be on the balcony taking a group photo at the Doncaster East house when it collapsed on Saturday night.

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

Neighbours were shocked at the horror accident and did what they could to help the injured.

“The crash was biblical, the sound of it was nothing I’ve heard before,” Andrew Stone told reporters.

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

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’s state health commander Paul Holman said.

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

Homeowners are now being encouraged to inspect their properties thoroughly

Building inspectors attended the home on Sunday to assess the damage, the tragedy prompting a warning from industry experts who want all homeowners to ensure their properties are safe.

Melbourne architect Peter Georgiev said in particular, “old timber balconies built ‘70s, 80s, 90s, are vulnerable to these sorts of collapses” needed to be looked at.

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