Moment dozens of University of Wisconsin students disappear into a lake after the spindly pier they were on collapsed under their feet during Labor Day celebrations
- Chaotic scenes as about 60 to 80 students plunged into the water at Lake Mendota
- At least 25 people were slightly injured, one person was taken to hospital
This is when dozens of University of Wisconsin students plunged into a lake after the spindly pier they were on collapsed during a Labor Day celebration.
Chaos ensued when about 60 to 80 students jumped into the water yesterday afternoon while frolicking in the sun just a short walk from their university building.
Video shows the massacre at Lake Mendota’s Memorial Union Terrace pier when the wooden deck filled with students in their bathing suits suddenly folded into the lake in a domino formation.
A shocked spectator can watch the action from shore as the students hit the water screaming in fear, a day before the pier was due to close for the season.
“I turned to this one girl and we were like, ‘Oh my God. Did that really happen?'” college student Gabrielle Willbrandt, one of several freshmen standing on the pier when it collapsed, told WMTV.
Video shows the carnage at Lake Mendota’s Memorial Union Terrace pier as it suddenly folded into the lake, causing the frightened teens to scream in terror
Another video shows people on the remaining portion of the pier offering assistance to those in the water on a busy day at the lake.
Many of the teens can be seen swimming back and a few boats come by to provide assistance.
Nicole Mitchell, who was swimming in the water nearby, said, “It was really scary. It made a really loud noise at first, and then it was basically a fight or flight response.
“Me and my friend, who I was swimming and treading water with, swam back to the dock as fast as we could. Everyone was screaming, looking for their things and making sure their friends were okay.”
“I just heard a cracking sound,” University of Wisconsin student Griffin Beronio, who was near the L-shaped wharf when it gave way, told The Badger Herald. “The middle parts of it sank much faster than the sides.”
Firefighters arrived just before 2:40 p.m. At least 25 people suffered minor injuries, but only one person was taken to hospital, according to the Journal Sentinel. Five people were treated at the scene.
The packed wooden L-shaped deck was full of students in their bathing suits when it gave way, just a day before the pier was due to be demolished for the season
The pier collapsed in a domino formation, with the center collapsing first as the shocked swimmers watched
The Wisconsin Union said the swimming area next to the pier was not manned by lifeguards.
“There were dozens and dozens of students sitting on it, just sunbathing or jumping in the lake or talking to their friends, and suddenly the whole thing gave way.” Mitchell added, noting that the teens swam back to shore with their phones raised to avoid water damage.
The collapse is under investigation.