Worshippers hurt when porch collapsed

By Staff
Melissa Cason
RED BAY- Six people were injured Sunday afternoon when the concrete front porch of their church collapsed.
Six people fell 12-15 feet when the porch collapsed into the dirt area below the porch at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Red Bay.
The church is located at the intersection of Piney Valley Road and Franklin 11.
Vina Fire and Rescue and Red Bay Fire Department were the first responders on the scene, and were later joined by the Russellville Fire Department. The Franklin County Sheriff's Department and the Red Bay Police Department were the responding law enforcement agencies.
NorthStar Paramedic Services from Red Bay and Russellville responded to the accident and were assisted by a paramedic service from Iuka, Miss., and Air Evac.
"Most of the injured were taken to Red Bay Hospital, but one patient was air lifted to Helen Keller Hospital," Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott said.
He said most of the injuries were to the victim's backs, necks and legs.
None of the injuries werelife threatening.
Officials said all of the victims were dismissed from the hospital.
According to church members, a group of people was visiting with one another shortly after services dismissed Sunday afternoon.
As they stood on the porch, it gave way and fell into the hole.