Porch roof collapse in Oakland injured 16

On Friday, March 14, a porch roof collapsed during a house party in Oakland, near the University of Pittsburgh, injuring at least 16 people. The structure gave way and detached from the side of the house when dozens of people gathered on top of it, crashing onto the crowd below. The injured were promptly taken to the hospital, with three reported to be in critical condition.

According to eyewitnesses, at least 22 people were standing on the roof, while many others were underneath at the time of the collapse. Some students at the scene attempted to rescue those trapped beneath the debris.

Authorities reported that after the collapse, between 300 and 500 students were gathered in the yard of the building. While an inspection deemed the structure safe, officials condemned the rear porch area for safety reasons.

The exact cause of the collapse remains unknown. However, Pittsburgh University police, with the assistance of city officials, are investigating the incident and have warned of the dangers of standing on rooftops.