HALIFAX — RCMP say no charges will be laid as a result of a deck collapse that injured six people at a Halifax-area home.
Police said they responded to an address on Westmount Drive in Westphal just after 8 p.m. Sunday.
The Mounties said several people had been on the deck, which was three metres above the ground when it collapsed.
One of the injured was taken to hospital, police said, while five others were treated at the scene.
Rob Connors, a division commander with the Halifax Regional Fire Service, said about 15 people were on the deck when it collapsed.
"Those hurt had lacerations to legs and arms," he said.
Both police and the fire service said Monday that the matter had been turned over to building inspectors with the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
However, HRM spokesman Brendan Elliott said no further action would be taken because the deck was estimated at between 10 and 15 years old.
"If it had been a deck that was currently under construction or less than two years old it would have required a permit," said Elliott. "The file from the municipal perspective has closed."
Jim Donovan, manager of building and compliance, said under municipal rules, those wanting to build a deck must get a permit and build the structure to certain specifications.
Donovan said although the municipality does have a municipal standards bylaw, people are responsible for the decks attached to their homes and should regularly inspect them, especially if they are older.
"Take a good look at it at least every season because decks are subject to loads all year long," he said. "The winter also can put stresses on the deck."
