Roof Collapses at St. Patrick's Day Bash Near University of Pittsburgh, Injuring Dozens
Sarah Johnson
March 17, 2025
Brief
A roof collapsed during a crowded St. Patrick's Day party near the University of Pittsburgh, injuring dozens and prompting a major emergency response. Most injuries were minor.
Chaos unfolded at a St. Patrick's Day celebration near the University of Pittsburgh on Friday evening when a roof packed with partygoers collapsed, injuring dozens. The incident, which occurred just before 5:30 p.m., left emergency responders scrambling to assist the victims.
Pittsburgh police, firefighters, and EMS rushed to the 300 block of Semple Street in Central Oakland after reports of a porch collapse. What they found was a grim scene: the rear porch of a residence had given way under the weight of revelers, crashing down onto a crowded space below.
Witnesses described chaos in the communal courtyard behind the home, where several hundred people had gathered, some on and beneath the roof that ultimately caved in. Emergency services transported 16 individuals to the hospital, with 13 in stable condition and three in serious but stable condition.
Most injuries were minor, involving arms, legs, and concussions, but officials revealed that one person suffered a leg fracture. At least a dozen others were treated on-site for minor abrasions. It's a miracle things didn't get worse, considering the sheer number of people involved.
The Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections condemned the porch but confirmed the residential structure itself was safe. University of Pittsburgh Police also assisted at the scene and emphasized safety in a post on X, reminding folks that "it is never safe to be on rooftops." A little late for that advice, but noted.
The University of Pittsburgh declined to comment on whether their students were among the injured, calling it a "City of Pittsburgh matter." Meanwhile, city officials stated they couldn't confirm the ages or student status of those transported to the hospital.
While the party may have started in good spirits, this collapse serves as a stark reminder to think twice before turning rooftops into dance floors. Not every structure can handle the weight of your St. Paddy’s enthusiasm.
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Editor's Comments
This is exactly the kind of 'too much fun gone wrong' scenario that makes you shake your head. Hundreds of people on and below a porch roof? Physics was bound to win here. Also, the University’s 'rooftop safety reminder' post feels more like an 'oops, too late' moment than anything else. Let’s hope next year’s revelers stay grounded—literally.
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