Hoover official calls balcony collapse 'terrible tragedy'

Published: Monday, July 05, 2010, 3:01 PM     Updated: Monday, July 05, 2010, 6:06 PM

Hoover fire officials continue today to investigate the collapse of a balcony at an apartment complex that killed one person and injured six others.

Rusty Lowe, Hoover Fire EMS and public information officer, said this afternoon that authorities could wrap up their investigation into the mishap at the Waterford Landing Apartments sometime tomorrow. He called the collapse, which happened shortly before midnight Sunday, a "terrible tragedy."

Lowe said an insurance company representing the owner of Waterford Landing Apartments, located in the 3200 block of Chace Lake Fairway near Alabama 150, has begun its own investigation of the deck collapse.

Lowe said incident occurred when a third-floor deck at the complex fell onto the two decks below it before hitting the ground. "If there had been anyone on the two decks below it, it could have been a lot worse," Lowe said.

Lowe said the Jefferson County Coroner's Office has identified the man who died. Efforts to reach the coroner's office were unsuccessful. Lowe said he didn't know the identity of the victim.

One person injured in the incident was listed in critical condition at UAB Hospital this morning, while three others were listed in serious condition. Lowe said he didn't have updated conditions on them. Two other people hurt in the collapse were treated on the scene.