At least 16 people were injured early Saturday when two upper-level porches collapsed at a Highlands Plantation-area apartment complex.
County sheriff’s department and fire services officials confirmed about 16 people were treated in various area hospitals after both second and third-story porches fell off a St. Andrews Lane building about 12:15 a.m. Saturday.
Oktibbeha County Fire Services Coordinator Kirk Rosenhan said numerous people had gathered on the second-floor balcony when it collapsed first, shortly followed by the third-story balcony.
At least five people were transported by emergency responders to area hospitals with injuries. Rosenhan said three of those transported by ambulance had severe, but non-life-threatening wounds, including broken bones. Ten others, he said, visited area emergency rooms via personal transportation.
Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Brett Watson confirmed law enforcement agents are investigating the accident, but he said criminal activity is not suspected.
At least three cars parked near the structure were damaged by falling debris.
“The way (the balconies) fell and pancaked, the cars actually provided some shielding for those who were outside. While there were injuries, we were very fortunate there weren’t more severe cases,” Rosenhan said.
First responders and law enforcement agents remained on the scene Saturday to document the collapse.
Rosenhan commended East Oktibbeha County volunteer firefighters for their quick, professional response to the scene.
“By the time I got out there, our boys were already treating, extricating and triaging (victims),” he said.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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