Four high school students were injured over the weekend when the railing in a section of bleachers at Bergen Catholic High School collapsed amid a frenzied celebration after the Crusaders upset Don Bosco Prep.
The scary scene happened moments after Bergen Catholic pulled off a come-from-behind win over the previously undefeated Don Bosco Prep on Saturday, and several of the victorious players ran over to the student section to celebrate.
Video showed the crowd also surging toward the field, which seemed to lead to the railing giving out and students spilling onto one another.
Four students sustained minor injuries as a result, according to multiple outlets, and Oradell police chief told NJ.com that one student had been treated at the scene for a leg injury, and there were no other serious injuries.
A statement from Bergen Catholic High School President Brian Mahoney said that the bleachers “are inspected annually” and, following the incident, a “second thorough inspection” will take place.
“Bergen Catholic is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our students, families, staff, and supporters at all school-sponsored events,” Mahoney’s statement read. “At the conclusion of the Bergen Catholic Don Bosco Prep football game, a portion of the metal fence between the track and bleachers was compromised, causing the outside railing to come loose and the fence to collapse. Thankfully, only four students sustained minor injuries and did not require medical attention.
“The bleachers are inspected annually, and we will conduct a second thorough inspection of the bleachers and surrounding structures to ensure they can safely be used for future events. The safety and well-being of our students and community remain our highest priority.”
Bergen Catholic is scheduled to host Paramus Catholic next weekend before playing its next two games on the road.
