PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (Romero Report) — An evening of potting flowers nearly turned tragic on May 22 when a deck collapsed at a home in Pittsylvania County.

The incident occurred around 7:25 p.m. at the home of John and Sandra Blair on Carson Jones Road.

John had just arranged pots on a table for his wife, Sandra, who was sitting on the deck, potting flowers, when he went inside and heard an unusual sound, a news release said.

John rushed to the door and saw Sandra still seated but trapped within the debris of the collapsed deck, which was about 12 feet above a concrete patio.

He called 9-1-1 and was told Blairs Fire and Rescue was on the way.

Sandra, who has limited mobility, recounted her initial fear in the release.

“I thought when it first happened, I truly thought it was an earthquake. There was no warning,” she said. “I was absolutely convinced [there was no hope of rescue].”

Upon arrival, crews found the rear deck partially collapsed with Sandra trapped and they quickly began shoring up the deck to prevent further collapse, the release said.

A crew member was lowered from the roof to secure Sandra in a rescue harness.

Utilizing a rope system attached to an aerial ladder truck, Sandra was lifted from the debris.

“All at once I was up in the air moving, that was a little strange,” she said.

She was lowered to the ground and fully evaluated by EMS providers, and in the end, reported that she only had a bruise on each hand.

“I have nothing but praise. They were absolute miracle workers; every one of them knew what to do,” Sandra said of Blairs Fire and Rescue.

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