FIRST ON 3: Several people hurt after Holden Beach deck collapse

HOLDEN BEACH, NC (WWAY) - Moments of shock and terror at Holden Beach Tuesday afternoon when a second story deck fell out from under the people standing on it ... sending some to the hospital.

Though the weather was nice, it wasn't another day at the beach for a group of men and women, as they fell more than eight feet when a deck on a beach home collapsed.

Sgt Adam Milligan of the Holden Beach Police Department told us when emergency personnel showed up, they were complaining about back injuries and had scrapes and bruises. One man hit his head when it collpased and had to be airlifted to a Wilmington hospital. Three others were taken to the hospital by ambulance and the remaining three refused medical attention. Sources say the majority of the group at the home were teachers, celebrating the last day of the school year.

The beach home is being rented by a permenant resident and has been condemed by the city. Inspectors are checking out the house today.

##########

HOLDEN BEACH, NC (WWAY) -- Brunswick County dispatch says crews are responding to a deck collapse in Holden Beach. Town Manager David Hewett says there is no official count yet, but it looks like about seven people are hurt.

Hewett says the accident happened on or about 479 Ocean Blvd. West. Mayor Alan Holden says a helictoper just left the scene. He also says there are no life-threatening injuries. Holden says the floor of the front porch of an elevated home collapsed and dropped people eight feet.

We have crews on the way to the scene and will have more information as it becomes available online and on-air.