DURHAM, N.C. — A children's Easter party in a Durham neighborhood came to an abrupt end Saturday when a house's deck collapsed, sending seven people to the hospital.

The Durham Fire Department said about eleven people were standing on the deck when it collapsed and caused the people to drop about twelve feet to the ground.

"The deck, if built properly, should be able to hold as many people that can fit on it," said Bill Watkins Sr. Watkins lives in the neighborhood where the incident happened.

Fire officials said six adults and one child were taken to the hospital.

The most serious case was an adult who was unconscious when rescue workers arrived; the person came to on his or her own, they said.

Fire officials added that there could be some broken bones, but they expect all seven to be treated and released quickly from the hospital.