Balcony Collapse Case Turned Over To Insurers

Investigations on a Newport Beach home whose balcony collapsed two weeks ago have been turned over to the owner's insurance company, according to a report by city officials this week.

The home's second-story balcony gave in the morning of October 23, reportedly during a party. The crash was heard by neighbors from the next block and was described as a loud boom, as if an earthquake had struck.

Calls to 911 initially reported that nine people were trapped inside, but only three were found injured. One was treated on the scene and the other two were taken to Western Medical and Hoag Hospitals, but no details were given on their condition.

Inspectors immediately came to investigate the home, cordoning off the yard with yellow tape and marking the balcony with a red tag. The rest of the home, located on Goldenrod avenue, was declared safe after initial investigations.

Follow-up inspections will be carried out by the owner's insurance company, as the home is private property. However, city officials will keep working with the homeowner and their contractor to ensure that repairs are made according to the building code.

Newport Beach city engineer Daniel Kennedy said that the collapse seems purely accidental rather than the result of poor building or code violations. The home’s insurer is expected to deliver initial reports in the coming weeks.

Kennedy added that homeowners should make a point to do routine inspections, rather than wait until they're about to sell. The roof, foundation, decks, gutters, and balconies should be given particular attention, he said.

 

Earlier in Newport Beach Real Estate News:
Newport Wins Award for Best Beaches
Newport Beach Home On Private Island Hits Market for $28 Million
Old Newport Beach Building To Be Transformed