Can a balcony collapse?

Balcony collapses often lead to severe injuries or death when someone is on the ledge when the accident occurs. With the help of a construction expert witness, it may be possible to discover why this incident happened and if there is a liable party. Some balconies are made with inferior quality through cheap materials.

Where did decks collapse?

Six people were taken to a hospital after a deck that was “likely overcrowded” collapsed at a townhouse Sunday night in Montgomery County, Maryland, authorities said. The collapse happened about 9 p.m. on Walnut Cove Circle in Germantown. Video footage and photos show the deck plummeted and tilted toward the house.

How safe are hotel balconies?

Although hotels can attempt to make balconies as safe as possible, if you or your children are utilizing them inappropriately, accidents may happen. Rattle the railing to ensure structural integrity, note any visual problems or faults, and if you are at all concerned, contact the hotel supervisor immediately.

Are balconies safe?

Even though we do not want to hear it, the awful truth is that balconies and decks present a real safety threat. Even if your deck was built to code, the possibilities of wood rot and other environmental factors can compromise the integrity of the structure. This also can vary in areas with extreme weather.

Can a cement balcony collapse?

When 20 to 50 or more adults gather together on a balcony, the stress levels on the structure may reach a breaking point. The balcony can collapse, causing serious physical injury or death.

Where did the deck collapse in Tennessee?

Authorities responded to a call of more than 40 people who had fallen from the collapsed deck at about 4 p.m. ET on the 9700 block of Hixson Pike in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security said in a news release.

Should I leave my balcony door open?

It is not safe to leave your balcony door open at night. An open door is an invitation to pests, burglars, and wild animals. On the other hand, a closed balcony door improves sleep quality by creating a sense of security and can prevent the spread of fire.

Why did this balcony fail?

Investigators determined that the balcony failed because the strength of the beams was weakened because of extensive dry rot damage. Dry rot is decay caused by fungus that can grow when wood is exposed to water, especially in areas with inadequate ventilation. Additionally, the party goers were unaware that the balcony was unsafe.

What was the cause of the Miami apartment building collapse?

Considered the likeliest cause is that the balcony of the building was not constructed properly, leading to dry rot, leading to the balcony becoming structurally compromised. Overwhelming evidence points to dry rot causing the collapse, and not the weight of the 13 students on it at the time. [citation needed]

What happened at the Berkeley Balcony Collapse?

Berkeley balcony collapse. Jump to navigation Jump to search. On June 16, 2015, shortly after midnight, five Irish J-1 visa students and one Irish-American died and seven others were injured after a balcony on which they were standing collapsed. The group was celebrating a 21st birthday party in Berkeley, California.

What was the cause of the Brooklyn Bridge collapse?

Investigators found that the collapse was the result of changes to the design of the walkway’s steel hanger rods. The two walkways were suspended from a set of 1.25-inch-diameter (32 mm) steel hanger rods, with the second-floor walkway hanging directly under the fourth-floor walkway.