A group of individuals at the University of Pittsburgh unexpectedly fell from a porch roof during an off-campus St. Patrick's Day house party on Friday (March 14).
In a video shared by The Pitt News, a group of students were celebrating on the front lawn of neighboring houses in the Semple Street section of Oakland, Pennsylvania, with multiple people crowded on two roofs. While one roof remained intact, another fell to the ground, landing on those standing on the porch, along with some who were on the lawn. The crowd let out a collective gasp, with some trying to flee the dangerous scene.
According to TMZ, sixteen people suffered injuries as a result of the fall and were all transported to nearby hospitals. While thirteen sustained minor injuries, three individuals are currently in serious condition.
In a CBS News report, students who were at the party described the terrifying scene. "I was just scared for everybody that was down there," said partygoer Dave Rentzel.
"It all just happened in the blink of an eye, the roof just collapsed on us, it felt so scary, I really don't have the words to comprehend how I felt in the moment," added Michael Estocin, who was on the roof at the time of the collapse.
Emily Bourne, the public information officer for Pittsburgh, claimed the number of students in the courtyard was between 300 to 500. The university has since issued a memo for students to avoid standing on roofs during St. Patty's Day events throughout the weekend.