Schwab Auditorium Balcony Collapses, One Person Hospitalized

Schwab Auditorium was evacuated this morning and one person was hospitalized after a part of the balcony collapsed.

The Penn State auditorium was hosting Spend A Summer Day, an event geared toward prospective students interested in attending the university.

According to a news release from the university, a small section of the balcony overhang fell during the event at approximately 11:25 a.m. 

One person was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center for minor injuries and another was treated and released by EMTs on site.

“A section of plaster ceiling approximately 2 feet by 8 feet fell with approximately half of the debris falling into a center aisle and some falling on several seats,” the release says. “Building engineers and environmental health and safety teams are currently assessing the building. The building is closed until further notice.”

There were about 500 people in the auditorium for the College of Engineering’s portion of the Spend A Summer Day event, which was then relocated to Thomas Building.

There is no information on the extent of the damage or what caused the balcony collapse at this time. We will provide updates as they become available.