Facebook gaffe sees 1,500 people gatecrash German teen's birthday party

The birthday party of a teenage girl in Germany was gatecrashed by over 1,500 people after she accidentally set the Facebook page for the event to public instead of private.

The event was cancelled after the birthday girl, known only as Thessa, realised her mistake. But, by that time, the invitation had already gone viral, and a whopping 15,000 people had confirmed their attendance.

When the guests started flooding into the Hamburg street, 16-year-old Thessa went into hiding, as 100 police officers, some of whom were on horseback, arrived to keep the crowd under control.  

Some of those who attended the massive bash held signs that read "Where is Thessa?" Others brought homemade cake. Some quaffed booze.

Things got even more out of hand -- one police officer was injured while trying to stop a reveller from breaking the hood ornament off his Mercedes-Benz, and 11 party goers were temporarily detained. Girls wearing flip-flops cut their feet on broken glass, and firemen had to extinguish two small fires.

Still, it could have been worse. Police spokesman Mirko Streiber jovially quipped: "It was sheer insanity but mostly peaceful."

It's an easy mistake to make. Don't forget, CNETeers, when e'rybody gettin' crunk, set that event to private, or risk an impromptu street party outside your house. It probably isn't as much fun as it sounds.

Image credit: AAP