Nine Injured In Methuen Deck Collapse

METHUEN (CBS) -- Eight children and a grandmother were injured Sunday afternoon when the deck they were on collapsed.

The deck fell between eight to ten feet and officials say it was an older deck experiencing some wood rot.

Officials say that the family was having a cookout when the deck simply gave way.

Neighbors say they thought someone was outside with a gun shooting people.

"And I said O my God, is there someone out there with a gun shooting people? Then I heard kids screaming. I ran to the window and looked out and I saw the whole deck on the floor," the neighbor said.

The children were between the ages of four to twelve.

Firefighters say everyone should be okay, even though some have broken bones.