13 Hurt in Deck Collapse in Gallagher Township
Editor’s note: video and information shared here with permission from wnep.com
GALLAGHER TOWNSHIP — 15 fishermen from Columbia County have journeyed to Clinton County every April for 27 years to fish the area’s trout streams. They never made it to the waterways Saturday when the cabin deck on which they were standing gave way, injuring 13, five of whom were taken by ambulance to the hospital.
The deck collapse occurred Saturday morning along South Spring Brook Lane off Route 664 in Gallagher Township. John Barrett of Bloomsburg told WNEP-TV News the collapse occurred after the men had finished breakfast and were standing on the frame deck. “I figured on the way down this was going to hurt when we hit, but a couple of guys got some broken bones, but for the most part, everybody is going to be okay; it could have been worse.”
Some 100 first responders arrived at the rural scene, including fire companies from the Renovo/Lock Haven area. Because of a lack of cell service in the area one of the fishermen, Lonni Fornwald of Bloomsburg, “went out and got the emergency crews.”
Haneyville fire chief William McCoy said about half the deck “left loose.” He said the first responders gave initial treatment to those most seriously injured. One had a broken leg, he said.
