Three Injured in Deck Collapse

STONE HARBOR – It started out as a usual work day for Judith Frame. Frame, a real estate agent, works for a local Realtor. On April 2 at about 10:20 a.m., Frame was showing a vacant structure to prospective buyers at 92nd Street and Third Avenue. As she stepped onto the first-floor porch the unthinkable happened. It gave way. But that was not the worst of it. The first-floor porch was attached to the second-floor deck directly above it. It appeared that the minimal weight of a couple people standing on the first- floor porch was enough to cause the crashing of the second-floor deck.
The collapse of the second-story deck was nearly simultaneous with the floor on the first-floor porch giving way as Frame stood there. It left her no time to escape and avoid the avalanche of timber, metal and pieces of hardware that showered upon her and two prospective buyers, according to police.
“The porch just pulled the deck on top of her,” said her brother and partner, Steve Frame. “Her first response was to protect her head as it came down on her,” he added. Steve, her family and co-workers are grateful that she is alive.
Frame was hospitalized with multiple injuries including serious abrasions and contusions on her arms and legs and painful shoulder injuries. Her brother said that Frame is a mother with a 4-month-old. “She can’t even change a diaper or lift him,” he said.
Luckily another sister has been able to step in and help. “It could have been worse,” said Steve, noting one never knows what the day will bring. But for now, Steve said, “We’re just glad she is still with us.”
Police reported a passerby, Jeremy Otton, witnessed the collapse. He pulled his vehicle to the roadside and assisted the three out of the debris, then called 9-1-1.
Victims reported injuries to their shoulders, arms and legs. Two victims were transported to Cape Regional Medical Center for treatment, a third was released at the scene. None of the injuries were classified as life-threatening.
The borough’s construction official responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey@cmcherald.com.