A devastating incident unfolded Friday night near the University of Cincinnati campus in Ohio when a third-floor balcony at a residential house unexpectedly collapsed, sending ten individuals crashing to the ground. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Cincinnati Fire Department Chief Frank McKinley reported that while most of the injured sustained less severe wounds, one person is currently in critical condition. Among those rushed to local hospitals were several university students, highlighting the impact on the academic community.
The catastrophic structural failure occurred around 10 p.m. Eastern time, as confirmed by fire department officials. The affected residence, located on Stetson Street, is conveniently situated just a few blocks from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where seven of the victims received urgent care, according to hospital spokeswoman Heather Chura Smith.
Preliminary investigations by Chief McKinley suggest that the immense weight of the crowd gathered on the balcony, possibly attending a party, may have exceeded the structure’s capacity, leading to its sudden and tragic collapse.
In the aftermath of the collapse, the University of Cincinnati mobilized its resources, with its Greek life council and housing office stepping in to provide assistance and support to the affected students and others involved.