'Terrifying' Deck Collapse In Long Valley Injures 6 During Birthday Party

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Several people were injured this weekend when a back deck collapsed during a get-together.

On Sunday, first responders were called to a home on Pond Road in Long Valley on reports of a structural collapse with several people trapped.

Authorities discovered that a back deck several feet off the ground had detached from the home and fallen. Officials said it was hung up on a tree "with further danger of collapse."

The homeowner, Rob Catalano, told Patch that 11 people were on the deck when it came down. The group was celebrating Catalano's son's 15th birthday.

Of those 11 people, seven received medical care, with six being hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries. Catalano said one person was admitted overnight but was subsequently discharged.

The fallen structure also caused a gas leak, which was secured by authorities. Catalano, an operating room nurse, made sure nobody was gravely injured before he turned off the gas, he told Patch.

Once all the patients were secured and safe, authorities used "T-shores," temporary, rapid-deployment supports, to secure the deck from falling further.

"This was a deck likely built in the 90s, as it was in place when we moved in 24 years ago, and it had been maintained over the years with regular cleaning and sealing, but gave no signs of any rot or issues," said Catalano. "We are so very thankful to the community, first responders, and our neighbors for the assistance and outpouring of support in this terrifying ordeal."

"Many of the rescue workers shared that this experience made them think they should have their decks looked over, and considering many of the homes in the area likely have similar vintage decks, it'd be a good idea," he added.