Six people injured after deck collapses three metres at home in Halifax area

HALIFAX — RCMP say no charges will be laid as a result of a deck collapse that injured six people at a Halifax-area home.

About 15 people were on the deck when it collapsed around 8 p.m. on Sunday in Westphal, said Brad Connors, a division commander with the Halifax Regional Fire Service.

“Those hurt had lacerations to legs and arms,” he said Monday.

The deck was three metres above the ground, police said.

One person was taken to hospital, while five others were treated at the scene.

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Both police and the fire service said Monday that the matter had been turned over to building inspectors with the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

However, HRM spokesman Brendan Elliott said no further action would be taken because the deck was estimated at between 10 and 15 years old.

“If it had been a deck that was currently under construction or less than two years old it would have required a permit,” said Elliott. “The file from the municipal perspective has closed.”

Jim Donovan, manager of building and compliance, said under municipal rules, those wanting to build a deck must get a permit and build the structure to certain specifications.

Donovan said although the municipality does have a standards bylaw, people are responsible for the decks attached to their homes and should regularly inspect them, especially if they are older.

“Take a good look at it at least every season because decks are subject to loads all year long,” he said. “The winter also can put stresses on the deck.”

The Canadian Press