Six still in hospital after NC deck collapse

Fire Chief Bill Walker told The Associated Press by phone that a deck section measuring about 12 feet by 12 feet, which he estimated to be at least 10 feet aboveground, gave way at the single-story oceanfront home on pilings.

“The family was on the deck preparing to take a family photo when the event occurred”, Emerald Isle Police said in a statement.

Town of Emerald Isle officials said most of the family members in the group of 24 who were on the vacation and taking a holiday family photo were from Northern Virginia. Police say at least two people are in critical condition.

“Preliminary findings indicate that floor joists and deck boards simply collapsed due to deteriorated fasteners (nails)”, officials said in a statement.

Police said 14 people were hospitalized. He said such a deck collapse was uncommon. Walker added that a “command and action center” was set up to coordinate fire, police and emergency medical personnel coming in from several different communities. “Had a guy that had a fracture on his ankle. Our department was the first department in”, he said.

The rental property, in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, fell apart when the relatives – part of a large extended family – grouped together on the outdoor decking, which faces the sea.

“We’re in a harsh coastal environment”, Rush said.

Severe injuries are reported following the collapse of a deck at a beach house on Emerald Isle in Carteret County at the North Carolina coast. Police gave an address for the collapse as being a home, like many others, perched side by side in order rows just yards from a wide beach fronting the surf.

The house on Ocean Drive is a 6-bedroom, 5-bath oceanfront home with an elevator and is now up for sale for almost $1.15 million. It also is rented through Bluewater Real Estate.

There have been no documented complaints or deficiencies at the family-owned property, which was built in 1986, according to Rush. about that residence, he said.

Identities and relations of those injured weren’t disclosed.