While the railing remained intact, witnesses said there was a gaping hole in the flooring where the boards collapsed at the rental property.
A total of 28 people fell, including Ms Taylor and Ms Kajoba who suffered fatal injuries.
“According to various witness accounts, at this time, Ms Taylor and Ms Kajoba were sitting on the outdoor lounge chairs some two metres from the family room wall towards the centre of the balcony. As people were slowly getting themselves in position for the photo, without warning, a section of the timber floor of the balcony collapsed,” Ms Spanos said.
Investigators later found the balcony, which was attached to the kitchen and family room area of the home, contained many heavy items including a refrigerator filled with food and alcohol, an 82-kilogram barbecue with gas cylinder, a pizza oven, eskies, a trestle table, outdoor lounge and armchairs.
State building surveyor Andrew Cialini said the Victorian Building Authority was now working through the recommendations made to see what changes can be made to improve safety.
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“This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the families of all of those involved,” Mr Cialini said.
The authority said current regulations called for all completed framework including balconies to be inspected by a relevant building surveyor where a building permit has been issued.
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