Balcony Collapse Near University of Cincinnati Injures Ten

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Ten people were injured Friday evening after a balcony collapsed at an apartment building near the University of Cincinnati. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Stetson Street, in the Corryville neighborhood, according to the Cincinnati Fire Department.

The wooden balcony, measuring 8 feet by 12 feet, fell approximately 20 feet to the pavement below due to the excess weight of attendees celebrating a medical school exam. Fire officials confirmed that at least one of the injured individuals suffered life-threatening injuries, while five had serious injuries and four sustained minor injuries.

Chief Frank McKinley of the Cincinnati Fire Department stated that multiple units responded to the scene. “The most important thing to us was making sure that we got medical care to these individuals as quickly as possible,” he said. Many of the injured have been transported to local hospitals, with several victims reportedly self-transporting themselves.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. Paul Masello, a neighbor, reported seeing a large crowd outside before the collapse and noted that he heard the balcony snap before falling. “There were like 100 to 150 people out here,” he said. Some neighbors expressed concerns about the structural safety of the balconies at the complex.

The Cincinnati Fire Department has notified the city’s Department of Buildings regarding the incident, and an investigation is ongoing. The University of Cincinnati is providing grief counseling and assistance to displaced students.

The University of Cincinnati community is in shock following the collapse. “We want to assure you that the situation is being addressed with the highest priority,” an email from the management of the apartment complex stated. More details about the incident will be released as the investigation continues.