Deck collapses during party at GSC fraternity

GLENVILLE - A fraternity house's deck collapsed Thursday night near Glenville State College, leaving about 40 students and a community thankful there were no serious injuries, said Tau Kappa Epsilon alum and parent Tim Butcher.

The deck collapsed around 10:40 p.m. Thursday, and an estimated 40 college students fell about 10 to 16 feet when the structure gave way. Butcher, who arrived within an hour of the collapse, said a licensed contractor built the deck about four years ago. Mark Ellis, the fraternity's faculty adviser and GSC visiting mathematics instructor, was at the party when the collapse occurred.

"I heard a noise, and as soon as I saw what happen I dialed 911," Ellis said.

He would not release any specifics about the collapse, including the number of students who were involved or injured. He referred all questions to Butcher.

Three students were transported two local hospitals, while paramedics treated other students at the scene, Butcher said.

"The kids were outside listening to music, and the thing just gave way," Butcher added. "It was built about four and half years ago out of treated wood. It should have been in good shape."

Butcher said the fraternity was playing host to a "calm" party before the collapse occurred. He found no signs of alcohol or intoxication when he arrived at the scene.

"There was no ripping or roaring. It was just a calm fraternity party," he said. "Alcohol didn't have anything to do with the deck collapse. I believe I can say that with authority."

Glenville State College officials were quick to dismiss any responsibility as result of the "off-campus" incident when questioned about the collapse Friday afternoon. However, the college said its Office of Student Life would be available to provide assistance to any student needing support as a result of the accident.

"We are very thankful that there were no life-threatening injuries. Our students are our greatest concern," said college spokesman Nicole McDonald.

McDonald told the Associated Press the students' injuries consisted of "cuts and bruises," along with possibly "a few broken bones."

Thursday's incident was less than 48 hours before an estimated 200 parents and prospective students were to visit the Glenville campus for its 2004 Open House, which is slated for today.

Donna Shaffner, director of admission and marketing for GSC, said the deck collapse should not cause concern for any of those individuals.

"Students are finding out for the first time what it's like to live on their own," she said. "Our Office of Student Life offers many courses from orientation on in responsible behavior. Our hope is the students take those lessons off campus into Glenville and into their home communities."

"Decks fall over the country," Butcher added. "It's not something that happens every night in Glenville or anywhere else."

GSC's Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity is in "good standing" with the college, but an investigation still is expected. Shaffner would not release many specifics regarding the college's investigation, but said it would not conduct any structural inspection.

"With the incident happening last night, obviously it's (the investigation) in the preliminary stages," she said Friday evening.

It is unclear whether any report regarding the incident was filed with the Glenville Police Department. Police Chief John Moss said the officer investigating the incident was not available for comment Friday evening.