At least two dozen patrons were injured Thursday night as a packed restaurant deck collapsed into the water during a the NBA finals. Here’s what you need to know.
1. A Packed Deck at Shucker’s Bar & Grill Collapsed into Water
As much as 100 people were packed onto a deck at Shucker’s Bar & Grill Thursday night when it collapsed around 9:45 p.m., sending customers plummeting into the Biscayne Bay below them, reports the Miami Herald.
“There was just a crack, and then we were in the water,” said Crystal Infante, 23, who was eating and watching the game with friend when the deck collapsed. “It was really hard to get out, and you couldn’t find anyone.”
The restaurant is a popular night spot in North Bay Village, just north of Miami.
2. The Deck Collapsed During the NBA Finals
Fans packed in the waterfront restaurant to cheer for the Miami Heat as they went up against the San Antonio Spurs for the NBA finals.
3. A Lot of People Jumped in the Water to Help
Bar customers and rescuers pulled people from the bay during the chaotic scene. Witnesses said that some patrons even jumped into the water to help pull people out.
“According to witnesses, a lot of people jumped in to help,” said Miami Dade Fire Chief David Downey. “Those efforts can make a lot of difference sometimes.”
4. At Least Two Dozen People Were Injured
BREAKING PHOTO: Collapsed deck at Shuckers Bar and Grill in Miami; many injured pic.twitter.com/0uyWPNGKxe – @wsvn
— NewsBreaker (@NewsBreaker) June 14, 2013
By 11:20 p.m., 24 people had been transported to local hospitals. Two of them were in serious condition.
5. One Person Might Still be Missing
One fire captain said one victim might still be missing as they continued to search through the wreckage.