CINCINNATI — A third-floor balcony near the University of Cincinnati collapsed Friday evening, sending ten people to nearby hospitals, officials confirmed. One individual is reported to be in critical condition, while several others sustained serious injuries.
Cincinnati Police Department Captain Stephen Bower said during a press briefing that five of the injured were seriously hurt, and four others suffered minor injuries. The injured were quickly transported to local hospitals, where medical teams are providing emergency care.
“The building is home to many students. They had a big exam today and were celebrating,” Captain Bower said, adding that the collapse likely occurred during a small gathering of students on the balcony.
Cincinnati Fire Chief Frank McKinley told local media that the cause of the collapse is still under investigation. “We are working closely with building inspectors and safety officials to determine exactly what led to this incident,” McKinley said. Officials have not yet confirmed how many people were on the balcony at the time of the collapse.
Photos and videos posted on social media show the balcony on the ground with emergency personnel actively working at the scene. Firefighters and police officers cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of other residents and bystanders.
Local authorities are urging residents in the area to avoid the building until the investigation is complete. “We want to make sure that no one else is at risk,” said Captain Bower. “Our priority is the safety of the community and ensuring proper medical care for those affected.”
The University of Cincinnati released a statement expressing concern for the students and residents injured in the incident. University officials are coordinating with local emergency services to provide support and information to affected students and families.
Balcony collapses, while rare, can be extremely dangerous. Experts emphasize the importance of proper construction, maintenance, and adherence to safety codes. City inspectors are expected to review the building’s design and recent maintenance history as part of the investigation.
Neighbors and fellow students described the scene as chaotic, with emergency sirens and crowds gathering near the building. Some students reported hearing a loud crash and seeing debris scattered across the ground. “It was terrifying,” one student said. “Everyone was running and calling for help.”
As investigations continue, authorities are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the sequence of events leading up to the collapse. Officials have not announced any formal statements regarding liability or enforcement actions against the building management at this time.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of structural safety, especially in residential buildings housing students and young adults. Emergency personnel praised bystanders who assisted injured individuals before first responders arrived.
Cincinnati officials have confirmed that updates on the investigation and medical conditions of the injured will be shared as soon as information becomes available.