9 victims still hospitalized after deck collapse

Of the 50 victims taken to hospitals after the collapse of a deck at the Glacier Presbyterian Camp south of Lakeside Saturday, nine remain hospitalized as of Monday morning.

According to Mellody Sharpton, spokesperson for Kalispell Regional Healthcare, all remaining patients, including the two that were in critical condition as of Sunday, are now stable and in good condition.

According to a statement released by Kalispell Regional Medical Center, 27 of the victims were treated at Kalispell Regional and nine were treated at North Valley Hospital. Others reportedly went as far away as Missoula.

ALERT air ambulance teams transported five critically injured patients in a 24-hour period, including two from the deck collapse, which occurred in Lake County.

“Our medical teams did a tremendous job, performing like a well-oiled machine,” said Pat Rankin, chief physician executive at Kalispell Regional. “Countless staff responded, even those who were not on call.”

The press release stated surgical specialists were busy evaluating the massive number of injuries, many of which were neurological and orthopedic.

Operating rooms at the two hospitals were busy well into the night, and no fatalities were reported.

“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,” said Rankin. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who were involved.”