Screams & Panic as the 1979 Miss Universe Stage Collapses

After weeks of endless photo shoots, wardrobe fittings, promotional tours &rehearsals, the 1979 Miss Universe Pageant finally had its glittering coronation night and beamed live all over the world from was the Perth Entertainment Centre in Perth, Australia. July 20, 1979.

Minutes before the stage collapsed 

The 28th Miss Universe Maritza Sayalero

Maritza Sayalero, 18, confirmed her frontrunner status as she topped the swimsuit, evening gown and interviews during the semifinal round. 

The stars aligned for the 18 year old beauty that evening and before the night was over, Venezuela had won its first Miss Universe crown. 

Maritza pipped Gina Swainson of Bermuda into second place. ( Ms. Swainson went on to win the 1979 Miss World title later that year) Miss England Carolyn Seaward was 2nd RU and Miss Photogenic, Miss Brazil, Martha Jussara de Costa was 3rd RU and Miss Sweden Anette Marie Ekstrom was 4th RU.

Miss England gets a helping hand

Miss Brazil is pulled out from the pile

A few minutes after the pageant had finished its telecast, hysterical screams were heard and pandemonium broke out after part of the stage collapsed. The sudden surge of close to 200 photographers and reporters on the stage designed to hold only 75 girls was the main cause of the accident.

Miss Universe 79 with Miss Malta

Around 20 girls and 30 reporters then fell down from a 6 ft x 9 ft hole and plunged two meters to the ground below.

The girls from Malta and Turkey were taken to the hospital for concussions and leg injuries while Miss Philippines and Miss Costa Rica had bruises after the fall.

It was the new Miss Universe's luck that the crack didn't reach her throne by a few inches sparing her, Miss Bermuda & Miss Sweden from falling into the pit.

Miss Brazil & Miss England, two of the runners up and who were seated closer to the edge were among those who fell with the Brazilian contestant complaining that her $3,000 evening gown was ruined.

It was a good thing that the CBS had just ended its live coverage before the incident otherwise TV audiences from the US and around the world would have seen the shocking incident.

Miss Philippines, Criselda "Dang" Cecilia went on to become a movie actress and played leading lady to top action stars and comedy kings. She later gave up showbusiness when she settled down for good.