3rd Floor Balcony Collapses Injures 10 During Celebration (Video)

A night of celebration turned into chaos in Cincinnati when a third-floor balcony gave way at an apartment building near the University of Cincinnati, sending ten people to the hospital — one in critical condition.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene Friday evening after the structure suddenly crumbled beneath a crowd of partygoers. Witnesses described a deafening crack followed by screams and the sound of splintering wood as the balcony crashed to the ground.

“People were just hanging out, laughing — then it was like the floor disappeared,” said student Emma Klein, who lives across the street. “It was pure panic. Everyone was screaming for help.”

Cincinnati Police Capt. Stephen Bower confirmed that five victims sustained serious injuries and four others had minor ones. “They had a big exam today and they were celebrating,” Bower said during a press conference, noting that many of the residents were students.

One of the victims remains in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Fire Chief Frank McKinley said investigators are now trying to determine what caused the collapse. “Our first priority was saving lives,” McKinley told WKRC-TV. “Now we’re focused on understanding how this could happen and ensuring it doesn’t happen again.”

Photos and videos circulating on social media show the mangled balcony lying in a heap of debris, surrounded by firefighters, police, and flashing lights.

City inspectors cordoned off the area as investigators examined the structure’s foundation. Residents of the building have been temporarily relocated as authorities assess the building’s safety.

The complex, popular among university students, was built in the early 2000s, according to city records. Neighbors say the balconies have long been a gathering spot for young tenants during weekends and campus events.

“I’ve seen 15 people up there before,” said nearby resident Jacob Moore. “It’s always packed. We’ve all wondered if those railings could really hold that many.”

Officials have not yet said how many people were on the balcony when it collapsed, but structural engineers warn that overloading is a leading cause of such failures.

As the investigation continues, the city is urging property owners to recheck their balconies and decks — especially those near student housing.

“This could have been much worse,” Chief McKinley said. “We’re thankful everyone survived, but this is a wake-up call for the entire community.”