Press Box Collapses at West Virginia High School Softball Tournament, Sending 9 to Hospitals

Press box collapse West Virginia High School Softball Tournament

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald May 02, 01:01 am

Photo: (Photo : Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

A press box at Wayne County High School collapsed during a high school softball tournament, resulting in multiple injuries. According to emergency dispatchers, a medical helicopter was called to the scene, and fire departments from Dunlow, Ceredo, Prichard, and Wayne responded to the campus.

The incident occurred on Saturday, April 30, and nine people were taken to hospitals after the press box collapsed.

WCHSTV reported that the superintendent of Wayne County Schools, Todd Alexander, confirmed that students and spectators were injured, including those inside the press box and those sitting underneath it.

The Sudden Press Box Collapse

Six students and three adults were hurt, and two students and three adults were taken to the hospital by medical professionals. According to emergency dispatchers, medical assistance was required at the location, and as a result, a medical helicopter and an ambulance were dispatched.

Additionally, four other students who needed medical attention were driven to a healthcare facility by their parents. Fortunately, none of the injuries were reported to be life-threatening.

Alexander expressed relief, stating that it appeared that everyone would recover and added that those who were injured are not in a critical situation.

According to Daily Mail, on Sunday morning, Brittany Leigh Perkins, the mother of Addison Perkins, who was one of the two students airlifted to the hospital, provided an update on her daughter's condition via Facebook. She disclosed that Addison had been cleared and discharged but would need to follow up with the concussion clinic in two days.

Perkins expressed immense relief that the situation didn't escalate any further and that everyone involved is expected to make a full recovery. She said that all but one girl had been released from the hospital. The injured student in question is reportedly unable to walk and has sustained pelvic and hip bruising.

However, Perkins assured that the girl was expected to be discharged the following day.

The gravity of the situation was evident in a photo posted on Facebook by a freelance photographer, showing the boys' and girls' teams waiting anxiously at the hospital, hoping for positive news about their injured teammates.

The incident was understandably traumatic, with witnesses and family members expressing their shock and concern for those involved. However, the updates from Brittany Leigh Perkins and others have been a source of comfort, as it appears that all the students are on the road to recovery.

Investigation and Inspections

According to Fox News, the cause of the press box collapse is still under investigation, and inspectors are expected to examine the site on Monday.

Wayne is located in southwestern West Virginia, about 165 miles southeast of Cincinnati. Superintendent Alexander said inspectors are coming to the field Monday to fix the press box. The condition of those injured and the cause of the collapse were not immediately available.

The collapse of the press box floor at Wayne County High School during a middle school softball tournament on Saturday was definitely a shocking event for the community, with others saying it happened fast.

Community Reaction

The Wayne County community expressed their concern and support for those affected by the press box collapse.

A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her shock and concern for the injured, recounting the harrowing experience of seeing people trapped beneath the rubble. She shared that her heart sank at the sight and expressed her hope for their recovery through her prayers.

The community came together to offer their thoughts and prayers for the injured, and Wayne County Schools issued a statement thanking everyone for their support during this difficult time.