Earlier this week, a second-story deck collapsed at a condominium unit on Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina, sending 21 people to area hospitals with various injuries.
NBC News reports that the deck off the second story of the condo collapsed onto a ground-level concrete patio. At the time of the collapse, there were 25 people on the deck. According to officials speaking with Star News Online regarding the incident, the group was taking a family photo when the deck gave way.
While none of the injuries were considered life-threatening, some of the victims suffered serious injuries, including broken bones. The 21 people were transported to three different hospitals, including Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach and Brunswick Novant Medical Center in Supply. One patient was airlifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, DE, a Level 2 trauma center, reports NBC News.
The beach home was being rented to the family, and the owner of the oceanfront condominium has been notified of the incident by the authorities.
Speaking with USA Today, Ocean Isle Mayor Debbie Smith stated that she would prefer to have tougher standards in place for homes and structures with oceanfront decks. However, Smith added that local governments aren’t permitted to enact or enforce standards that are higher than those required by the state of North Carolina.
Officials are investigating the cause of the collapse. President of the N.C. Building Inspector’s Association Glenn Batten said that the deck should not have fallen if they were just taking a picture, even if it had sustained wind damage.
The knowledgeable Raleigh personal injury attorneys at Kelly & West are experienced with handling cases that involve negligence leading to injuries. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a preventable accident, you may qualify for compensation. To learn more, contact Kelly & West.
