At least 24 injured as Jersey Shore decks collapse during convention
WILDWOOD, N.J. — Nearly two dozen people were taken to hospitals after a deck collapsed over the weekend at the New Jersey shore, but authorities said almost all of the victims were treated and released.
The multilevel deck collapsed at about 6 p.m. Saturday in Wildwood during the annual New Jersey Fireman’s Convention, which attracts thousands of current and former firefighters to the resort town.
Cape May Regional Health System spokeswoman Susan Staeger said Sunday that 19 of the 21 patients were treated and released, including three children. AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s trauma center reported receiving three patients, but spokeswoman Jennifer Tornetta said family members had asked that no information be released.
Wildwood’s fire chief said Sunday the second- and thirdstory front decks of the sevenunit condo building “suffered a complete pancake-type collapse.” Chief Daniel Speigel hailed the efforts of first-responders gathered in the area for the convention and parade who jumped into action to help free those trapped.
“Whoever they were, I wanted to throw a shout out to them for helping us get the victims removed,” Speigel said. “All victims were removed in under an hour and transported [to the hospital], which is pretty phenomenal.”
Photos and video on social media showed firefighters trying to lift a piece of decking. Images showed multiple levels of decking ripped away from the building and reduced to beams and splintered wood.
Nearby resident Joann Devito saw the collapse from a deck across the street.
“I was sitting on the deck up there, and I heard this noise, so I turned and looked and saw the whole thing caving in,” she said. “I saw two women running and screaming. It was horrible.”
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. City fire and construction crews are working with the building owners, engineers and contractors to secure a roof currently unsupported due to the collapse, the fire department said in a statement.