Party at off-campus home near Ohio State University turns disaster as roof collapses injuring 14
COLUMBUS, OHIO: Atogether 14 people were injured after the roof of an off-campus house near Ohio State University in Columbus collapsed Saturday, April 29. First responders were reportedly called to East 13th Avenue, a few blocks away from the university campus, around 7.40 pm to respond to a complaint of roof collapse during a party. All victims were transported to several nearby hospitals but the extent of their injuries has not been specified.
The Columbus Fire Department told the New York Post that they were all in stable condition. Some victims were trapped under the debris during the collapse but were later freed, the department added. The collapse initially sent 13 people to hospitals, Battalion Chief Rick Artrip of the Columbus Division of Fire told reporters, but the number was later updated to 14 by NBC affiliate WCMH. Around 20 others were also injured in the collapse, but they were treated on the scene and were able to leave, Artrip said, as per NBC News.
READ MORE
Morbid Angel concert disaster: Apollo Theatre roof collapse leaves 1 dead, over 40 injured
Multiple people were on the roof during a party
Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter told FOX 28 Columbus that between 15 and 45 people were on the roof during the collapse, adding that it was not designed to support that many people. People allegedly heard a cracking noise before the roof came down, the outlet noted. Footage of the incident showed the roof of the front porch was in ruins while the house remained intact.
Artrip told the New York Post the people were standing on the roof during a party organized at the house. It is not known how many among those attended the Ohio State University. “We are monitoring this serious situation closely and assisting first responders in any way possible. Our thoughts are with those present and their friends and family,” Ohio State University spokesperson Benjamin Johnson said in a statement. Gavin Levine, one of the partygoers, told WCMH he assumed standing on the roof was safe “because everyone does it.” “But obviously not,” he added.
‘Prayers that no one is hurt’
The internet was quick to express concern over the roof collapse and many netizens took to Facebook to react to the incident. “Many students on the roof of an old house is a recipe for disaster. I live in a college town so I know how that works. Prayers that no one is hurt very bad,” one wrote. “Hated to see anyone hurt, but several of those houses are in very bad condition,” another added. “Prayers for everyone,” a third user commented.
One explained, “Unfortunately anyone who been or lived on campus has seen this. The porch roofs are a hot spot that they go to. Toss footballs roof to roof… drink and party to see what’s going around them. Also have seen a group do roof to roof rope for a pinata needless to say alcohol and young ages don’t always make the best choices,” while another added, “Why would that many people be on a roof in the first place? Plus those are old houses it’s a wonder we don’t hear about more of the porches collapsing too.”
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.