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On Monday, October 22, we reported on the floor collapse at a Clemson University fraternity party that sent almost 30 people to the hospital. Now, almost four days after the incident, the fraternity has publicly responded.
The collapse — which happened around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 21 — happened during a party hosted by the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. John Burrell, the fraternity’s national executive director, described the party as a social event and stated that “numerous” attendees were injured.
In a statement to WYFF News 4, Burrell stated that Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members “immediately contacted local fire and police departments to provide emergency support.”
As of Wednesday, October 24, three people remained in the hospital due to their injuries.
via WYFF News 4:
“We are praying for those who were injured and their families, and we are grateful to the first responders and medical professionals who have cared for them. Kappa Alpha Psi’s national and regional leadership are actively investigating the incident; and are working closely with Clemson University administrators to determine how the organization may assist in supporting event attendees.”
WYFF News 4 obtained building codes and the permit application for the Woodlands clubhouse. The documents show the first floor dimensions at 3,605 sq. ft. and second floor dimensions at 4,160 sq. ft. The maximum occupancy for the first floor, according to the paperwork provided by City of Clemson’s Director of Planning and Codes, is 135. The documents call for a wood-framed building. The 14-year-old site plans were not readily available. WYFF News 4 tried to contact the architect of the building with no success.
At the time of this writing, the investigation into the collapse continues and engineers will do an inspection on Thursday, October 25, to find out more about how the collapse happened and who may be at fault.
“The University will continue to do everything it can to help and support our students who were affected by this terrible situation, as well as their families and friends,” Clemson University President Jim Clements said in the statement.
Additionally, Clemson Provost Bob Jones said the university’s faculty had been asked “to exercise some flexibility in attendance policies for those students who were involved in this traumatic event.”
