FOREST LAKE, Minn. - The Tulgren family feels like what happened Saturday night could've been much worse.

"The injuries could've been more serious," said Greg Tulgren. "We're really blessed."

The Tulgren's two daughters are preparing for a four-month trip to Africa and Saturday evening was send-off party to say goodbye. Shortly before 8 p.m., "anywhere between 19 and 24 guests" gathered on the deck for a large group photo. That's when the unthinkable happened.

"I didn't even have a chance to press the button on the camera," said Chelsey Tulgren. "In slow-motion, the deck just went down."

The entire second-story deck collapsed, bringing with it the group of people ranging from 4-years old to 84.

"The deck just let go and went right to the ground," said Greg.

First responders were quickly on scene and airlifted one person to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Everyone, however, will make a full recovery.

"We have several broken ankles, bumps, and bruises," he says. "We're lucky."

Family members say the deck was built along with the home 23 years ago and they recall several times where large groups have been on it in the past.

"We've never had any issues with it," said Greg. "It's not a small deck, it's pretty heavy-duty."

In total, seven people were injured. Family members say they will reach out to their insurance company for assistance.

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