A St. Patrick’s Day celebration near the University of Pittsburgh turned dangerous when a porch roof collapsed under the weight of several partygoers, injuring at least 16 students.
Videos circulating online show a large group of green-clad revelers standing on the roof before it suddenly gave way, sending them crashing down onto the porch below, where even more students were gathered.
“It just fell,” student Carlton Gbur told CBS. “Everyone was having fun, and then no one was having fun.”
Emergency responders transported 16 students to local hospitals, with three reportedly in serious condition. The collapse serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of overcrowding balconies and porches—incidents that were more common in past decades.
“Witnesses reported that several hundred individuals had converged in the communal courtyard space behind the residence. They also reported that people had been on the roof of the porch, as well as on the porch itself when it collapsed,” a press release from the University stated.
“Pittsburgh EMS transported a total of sixteen individuals from the scene. Thirteen were transported in stable condition; three were transported in serious, but stable condition. The bulk of the transports were for minor arm and leg injuries, and concussions. One individual is believed to have suffered a leg fracture.”
The university said that “at least a dozen people were treated on-scene for minor abrasions.”
University of Pittsburgh Police also responded to the scene and aided city efforts.
For parents of college students, this is an important cautionary tale: warn your kids to avoid situations where structures might be at risk of collapse. A fun night out is never worth the risk of serious injury.
