A festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the University of Pittsburgh turned into a scene of chaos after the rooftop of a fraternity house collapsed, injuring 16 students. The accident occurred during a large party, where dozens of students had gathered to mark the occasion. Authorities confirmed that three of the injured students are in serious condition and receiving medical care.
Videos from the scene, now circulating on social media, show students dancing on the roof moments before it suddenly gave way, sending people crashing down into the building. Witnesses described a terrifying moment as screams filled the air and debris scattered across the party area.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
A student who attended the party shared, “Everyone was having fun, and then suddenly, the roof just caved in. People started screaming and running. It was pure panic.”
Emergency responders arrived quickly, providing first aid and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Officials stated that the weight of too many students on the rooftop likely contributed to the collapse.
The University of Pittsburgh released a statement expressing concern for the injured students and emphasizing the need for safety at off-campus gatherings. “We are deeply saddened by the injuries sustained in this unfortunate incident. We are working with local authorities to investigate what went wrong,” the statement read.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
Authorities have launched an investigation into the structural integrity of the building and whether the fraternity had exceeded safety limits. Officials warned students about the dangers of overcrowding rooftops and other high-risk areas during parties.
This incident has sparked a conversation about safety measures at college events, with students and parents urging universities to enforce stricter regulations to prevent similar accidents.
As investigations continue, the University of Pittsburgh community is rallying around the injured students, hoping for their swift recovery.