A St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the University of Pittsburgh took a dangerous turn when a rooftop collapsed, injuring at least 16 students. The incident occurred during a frat party at a courtyard near the university, where nearly 500 students had gathered for the festivities.
Roof Collapses Amid Crowded Party
Videos circulating on social media show a large group of students, many dressed in bright green attire, dancing on a shingled roof while others stood beneath it. Suddenly, the rear section of the roof detached from the Semple Street building, sending several students crashing down. The front supports soon gave way as well, causing complete structural failure.
As the collapse unfolded, partygoers rushed to assist those trapped under the debris. Emergency responders arrived quickly, transporting three students to the hospital in serious condition. Thirteen others sustained minor injuries, including concussions and arm wounds. Fortunately, all are expected to recover, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
University’s Prior Warnings Ignored
The University of Pittsburgh had issued a safety advisory before the weekend, cautioning students against climbing onto rooftops during the celebrations. Despite the warnings, dozens of students ignored the advice, leading to the disaster.
Following the collapse, Pittsburgh’s Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections assessed the building and confirmed that the remaining structure was stable.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaos
Students who witnessed the collapse described the terrifying moment.
Michael Estocin, one of the students on the roof, told CBS News, “It felt so scary. I really don’t have the words to comprehend how I felt at the moment.”
Another student, Carlton Gbur, who was standing under the structure, said, “It just fell. Everyone was having fun, and then no one was having fun.”
Dave Rentzel, who saw the incident from a distance, recalled, “I was just scared for everybody that was down there. I was sitting to the side and saw it all happen.”
Authorities have not yet announced if any legal action will be taken against those involved in organizing the event. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of overcrowded and structurally weak rooftops, especially during large gatherings.
Sources By Agencies
