Dozens hurt in collapse of balcony

POLSON, Mont. – A balcony with dozens of people on it collapsed at a casino and bar here, injuring at least 70, authorities said Saturday.

There were no immediate reports of any deaths.

An official at Polson’s St. Joseph Hospital said 54 people were treated there for injuries sustained in the collapse late Friday, but she declined to release any details on the extent of injuries. People also were taken to other hospitals, including one in Ronan and one in Missoula.

Polson Fire Chief Tom Maloney said seven of the injuries were serious or critical, but the others did not appear to be life-threatening. He said most consisted of broken legs and ankles.

“Most of the victims appear to be young folks enjoying a night out,” he said.

What caused the collapse of the 14-foot high balcony at the Diamond Horseshoe casino and bar remained unclear, he said. Investigators returned to the site Saturday to inspect the rubble of the wooden structure.

Repeated calls to the Diamond Horseshoe went unanswered Saturday.

Maloney said emergency crews were called at about 11:30 p.m. Friday and found a “chaotic scene.”

One witness told KERR-AM in Polson that he heard two loud snaps or cracks just moments before the collapse.

More than 30 people with the most serious injuries were taken to the local hospital by a dozen ambulances, many brought from neighboring communities. Victims with less serious injuries were transported in private vehicles to receive treatment.

A nurse at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan said some people apparently decided to defer treatment until Saturday, in an effort to control the workload at hospitals busy with the more seriously injured.