St. Patrick's Day revelry took a harrowing turn in Oakland as a porch roof collapsed during a party, resulting in multiple injuries. According to CBS News Pittsburgh, the incident occurred on Semple Street, where hundreds had gathered, and 16 individuals were taken to the hospital. Pittsburgh Public Safety spokesperson Emily Bourne disclosed that 300 to 500 students were present when the roof, strained under the weight of dozens of partygoers, gave way, leaving three people in serious condition while others sustained minor injuries.
The party, meant to kick off the St. Patrick's Day weekend, saw guests climbing onto a back roof that collapsed roughly 20 minutes later, as recounted by a University of Pittsburgh student's parent through video footage provided by WTAE. Witness Ben Dorish stated, "There was probably 30 people on the roof, and the whole thing fell right down on us. It was crazy," describing the immediate chaos and subsequent collective effort to assist the injured; friend Demi Bauer added, "It was really good to see everyone picking it up and stuff like that. The second it happened, everyone went and lifted it up."
The University of Pittsburgh took preventative action, urging students to avoid rooftops during celebrations, reflecting on the potential for a tragic outcome.
Following the collapse, the city's Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections examined the scene, condemning the porch but not the structure as a whole and issuing a reminder for responsible celebration during the festive weekend. Injuries reported ranged from broken limbs to concussions, but, thankfully, no fatalities occurred, according to Bourne's statements.
