Shaler School District Investigating After Air Duct Collapse

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Shaler Area School District has taken precautionary steps after a metal air duct fell in a crowded elementary school cafeteria, injuring several students and staff.

The district immediately began looking at whether any of its other buildings have similar duct work, and as a result, has closed two gyms in the high school building as a precaution.

No one knows why the air duct fell without warning, but there will be an investigation to find out.

The cafeteria area was remodeled just four years ago.

A dozen people were hurt when the accident happened - nine of them seriously enough to be taken to the hospital.

By Tuesday night, four students taken to Children's Hospital of UPMC had been treated and released. Three others remained in fair condition.

Classes are cancelled Wednesday at Shaler Area Elementary School only.

The cafeteria was full of about 300 fourth graders when the duct gave way, crashing down on to a table.

Students describe a loud noise and then students screaming and running to get away.

RELATED LINKS
More Local News
More Shaler News