In a startling incident at a private home on South Ponte Vedra Boulevard, a deck collapse sent shockwaves through a St. Johns County beachside community. The incident resulted in more than a dozen injuries, necessitating a rapid response from local emergency services.
The collapse occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, prompting the swift arrival of St. Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) teams to the scene, located on the 2400 block of South Ponte Vedra Boulevard, also known as A1A. The unexpected failure of the two-story deck triggered a “Level 1 Mass Casualty Incident” response due to the number of affected individuals.
According to SJCFR, 13 people sustained injuries in the collapse. While most injuries were deemed minor, the situation was serious enough for two individuals to be transferred to a trauma center, and six others required care at a nearby hospital. Thankfully, all those injured are expected to make a full recovery.
Investigations are currently underway to determine what led to the deck’s failure. A representative from SJCFR noted the potential impact of the coastal environment on structures, suggesting that the seaside location might have contributed to the deck’s structural issues. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of routine maintenance, advising homeowners to have their decks inspected annually to prevent such incidents.
According to Fire Rescue, 13 people were hurt. Although most of the injuries were considered minor, two people were taken to a trauma center while six went to a local hospital. All are expected to recover.
The cause of the collapse is under investigation. A spokesperson for SJCFR pointed out that the home is by the beach, which can take a toll on decks, and that weight could have been a factor. He encourages people to have their decks inspected once a year.
A sign outside marks the property as a short-term rental.
