Campers Injured at Ala. Site; Inspectors Report Faulty Construction

Over two-dozen campers at Alabama’s Camp Chula Vista were injured Tuesday when a wood balcony and ramp at the dining hall collapsed. Twenty-three of the injured were transported to area hospitals by ambulances while another two or three were transported in privately owned vehicles.

Approximately 30 campers, many teen-agers, were standing on the balcony outside the dining hall around noon. When the double doors of the dining hall were opened, the balcony and ramp separated from the building dumping the campers onto concrete approximately 11 feet below.

The camp is owned and operated by the Alabama Church of God General Assembly.

Inspectors with the Alabama State Fire Marshals Office have reportedly determined the balcony and ramp, constructed approximately one year ago, were not built in compliance with state adopted codes.

All but four of the injured were treated and released from the hospital. No injuries were reported to be life threatening.

The entire camp has been inspected since the accident and church officials have been made aware of any corrections that are needed. Some corrections were reportedly made Tuesday evening when inspectors were first at the site.