At least five high school students – including two soccer stars – were injured when bleacher railings gave way and caused a ‘terrifying’ pile-up.
St Xavier high school in Louisville, Kentucky, this week secured a dramatic semifinal victory over rivals Trinity, only for their celebrations to turn dangerous when the stand collapsed.
After winning via a penalty shootout, at least three players leapt up to grab on to the railing as dozens of fans rushed to the front of bleachers to celebrate with them.
But then disaster struck as the railing snapped. The players fell several feet on to the concrete below and the barrier went with them.
That led to many fans tumbling out of the stand. They landed on top of the players and each other, while others were forced to leap to safety.
The scary scene was captured in clips that spread across social media in the aftermath of the game. One witness described it as ‘truly terrifying.’
At least five high school students were injured in a ‘terrifying’ crush after a bleacher collapsed
According to WHAS11, St Matthews police chief Barry Wilkinson revealed that three people were rushed to the hospital for treatment – while at least three more may have been taken by their parents.
St Xavier athletic director, Chris Tinius, told WHAS11 that ‘none of the injuries are life-threatening and everyone was stable when they left.
‘I can’t confirm an exact number of injuries; some were obvious injuries, and students who may have been rightfully frightened.’
The game took place at Waggener high school and photos on social media showed the railing completely snapped of its base.
The scary incident sparked a backlash on social media as several fans hit out at the facilities at Waggener.
One claimed the high school ‘had absolutely no business hosting an event.’ They argued ‘the entire place was a construction zone even three feet off of the playing surface.
‘Ridiculous decision and now some serious injuries to kids who should be enjoying a hard earned victory.’
The Daily Mail reached out to Jefferson County Public Schools and St Xavier for comment.
