Updated: June 18, 12:55 p.m.
More than 50 people were injured after a deck collapsed south of Lakeside on Saturday afternoon.
The incident occurred during a memorial service at Glacier Camp along Flathead Lake. Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said first responders from both Flathead and Lake counties arrived at the scene. At least six people were taken to area hospitals by helicopter and the rest were transported by ambulance.
Kalispell Regional Medical Center treated 27 patients and North Valley Hospital treated nine, according to a statement from Kalispell Regional Healthcare. Other area hospitals treated the remaining patients.
The statement says there were a “significant number of orthopedic and neurological injuries that required immediate surgery.” Two patients remain in critical condition. There have been no deaths.
The hospital says the ALERT air ambulance team transported patients and placed a flight medic at the scene to assist in transporting others by ground. Surgical specialists evaluated every patient, “but the overwhelming number of injuries were orthopedic and neurological.”
Operating rooms were busy through the night, with special areas established for patients’ families. Employees from multiple departments at both North Valley Hospital and KRMC assisted, including a number who weren’t on call, according to Dr. Pat Rankin, KRH’s chief physician executive.
“Kalispell Regional Medical Center and North Valley Hospital are very proud of every member of our team who helped all the patients and families during this event,” Dr. Rankin said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who were involved.”
Glacier Camp, which is owned by Glacier Presbytery, issued a statement late Saturday evening about the incident.
“This afternoon, we had a major accident at camp. Please join us in praying for the injured and their families. We are grateful to all of the EMTs/Paramedics, fire departments and first responders who came to our aid. We ask for your prayers for all involved. We will not have camp in session this week.”
Kalispell Regional Healthcare officials said that family members visiting KRMC should enter through the main entrance and take the west corridor to the Mariposa Room. After 10 p.m., visitors should enter through the Emergency Department. Families may also call (406) 752-5111 for information about loved ones.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.