Surveillance video shows third-floor porch collapse in Dorchester that injured 9
Nine people were injured after a third-floor porch collapsed on Harwood Street in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood Friday night.
It happened at about 10 p.m. during a large gathering at the multi-family home. All of the victims were taken to nearby Boston hospitals. Police said one victim has serious, life-threatening injuries, and the other eight victims are expected to be OK.
All the victims were on the ground level when firefighters arrived. Fire officials said it appeared that the victims were hit by items that were on the porch.
"After the initial collapse, there was a secondary collapse of the material that was on the deck," said Boston Fire Chief of Operations Rodney Marshall. "There was a refrigerator and other various materials up on the third floor that collapsed on the secondary collapse. We think that also affected the victims on the ground."
Daneysi Ballestero says her sister is one of the victims and lives at the home with her kids.
"I'm heartbroken," she cried. "It's hard for me. They're my everything. They're my support."
She says they were having a get-together birthday party earlier that day, then some of the adults decided to have a BBQ on the porch, when all of a sudden, it collapsed.
"They are stable," Ballestro said. "We just need people to pray for us."
Marshall said Boston Police are investigating and Inspectional Services responded to the home. Due to the severe injuries suffered by one victim, Boston Police said they also have their Homicide Unit investigating.
