A pier at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Memorial Union Terrace on Lake Mendota collapsed on Monday, Labor Day afternoon, September 4, causing between 60 to 80 students to fall into the water.
This incident was captured on video, and posted on social media, which depicted the pier collapsing in one section, followed by subsequent parts toppling in a domino-like fashion.
Gabrielle Willbrandt, a freshman at the university, recounted the surprising event, saying, “I turned to this one girl, and we were like, ‘Oh my God. Did that really just happen?'” She was among the numerous students present on the pier during its collapse.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that at least 25 people sustained minor injuries. One person was transported to the hospital, while five received on-site treatment. The remaining individuals did not require medical attention.
Students were seen swimming back to safety while holding their phones up so they wouldn’t get submersed in the water.
An investigation into the collapse is underway.
The pier was scheduled for removal the following day, as noted by local authorities.
