A Tragic St. Patrick’s Day Incident: A Porch Collapse Injures Dozens Near the University of Pittsburgh
On Friday, March 17, 2023, what began as a joyful St. Patrick’s Day celebration near the University of Pittsburgh turned chaotic when a porch roof collapsed, injuring dozens of people. The incident occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Semple Street in Central Oakland, a bustling area known for its student housing and proximity to the university. Emergency responders, including Pittsburgh police officers, firefighters, and EMS, were quickly called to the scene after reports of a porch collapse with multiple injuries.
When emergency crews arrived, they found a devastating scene: a porch had collapsed in the rear of a residence, and a large crowd of people had been gathered in the communal courtyard space behind the home. Witnesses reported that several hundred people were in the area, with some standing on and below the roof of the porch when it gave way under the weight. The collapse sent people tumbling to the ground, leaving many injured and others in shock.
Emergency Response and Injuries Sustained
The Pittsburgh EMS played a critical role in responding to the disaster, transporting 16 people to the hospital for treatment. Of those injured, 13 were reported to be in stable condition, while three were listed as serious but stable. The majority of the injuries were minor, including arm and leg injuries, bruises, and concussions. However, one person was believed to have suffered a leg fracture, and at least a dozen others were treated at the scene for minor abrasions. Despite the trauma, there were no reports of life-threatening injuries, a small comfort amid the chaos.
The Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections was also called to the scene to assess the structural integrity of the building. Fortunately, while the porch was condemned due to the collapse, the residential structure itself was deemed sound, ruling out any further immediate danger to the surrounding area.
The Role of the University of Pittsburgh Police Department
The University of Pittsburgh Police Department (UPPD) responded quickly to assist city authorities in managing the situation. They provided support in securing the area, ensuring crowd control, and helping with the initial response efforts. Following the incident, the UPPD took to social media to remind students and the public of an important safety message: “As a reminder, it is never safe to be on rooftops.” This serves as a stark warning about the dangers of overcrowding and standing on structures not designed to hold large numbers of people.
A University Community Affected
While the University of Pittsburgh declined to confirm whether any of its students were among the injured, the incident has undoubtedly shaken the campus community. The university’s proximity to the location of the collapse means it is likely that many students were in attendance at the gathering. The city of Pittsburgh did not have confirmed ages of those injured, nor did they note the student status of those transported to the hospital, leaving many unanswered questions about the victims.
A Call for Safety Awareness and Reflection
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the porch collapse, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety during large gatherings, especially in residential areas. The tragedy also highlights the need for property owners to ensure that their structures are safe and can withstand the weight of crowds, particularly during events that attract large numbers of people. While the injuries sustained were not life-threatening, the incident could have had far more severe consequences, and it serves as a wake-up call for greater vigilance and preparedness.
The university community, local residents, and authorities are now left to reflect on this incident and how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future. For now, the focus remains on supporting the injured and ensuring that those affected by this painful event receive the care and resources they need to recover.
