Roof Collapse at St. Patrick's Day Frat Party Injures 16 Near University of Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA — A festive St. Patrick's Day celebration turned chaotic late Friday night when the roof of a fraternity house near the University of Pittsburgh collapsed, injuring 16 people. The incident occurred during a party that drew approximately 500 attendees, many of whom were students from the university.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing students standing on the roof moments before it gave way, sending debris crashing onto the porch and concrete below. "There were people on that porch area, people right below on the concrete, and then people on the roof, and then it all came down," a Pitt student told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, describing the sudden and terrifying collapse.

Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Emily Bourne provided an update on the injuries, stating that 13 individuals sustained minor injuries, while three others were listed in serious condition. Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or detailed the extent of their injuries.

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, though officials speculate that the weight of the crowd on the roof may have exceeded its structural capacity. The fraternity house, located just off the university campus, is a popular gathering spot for students, particularly during holiday celebrations like St. Patrick's Day.

University of Pittsburgh officials expressed concern for those affected and pledged to cooperate fully with local authorities as they assess the situation. "Our primary focus is on the well-being of our students and ensuring that everyone receives the care they need," a university spokesperson said in a statement. 17GEN4.com