Students Injured After Bleacher Railing Collapses During Football Game Celebration

A dramatic high school football upset in New Jersey ended with a frightening scene after a railing collapsed during a postgame celebration, sending students tumbling toward the track.

The incident happened Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell moments after the Crusaders completed a stunning comeback victory over longtime rival Don Bosco Prep.

Bergen Catholic had trailed 24-0 before rallying to win 34-30 in front of an estimated 4,000 spectators.

As the final seconds ticked away, several Bergen Catholic players ran toward the student section to celebrate.

Students in the bleachers surged forward toward the field, and a portion of the railing and metal fence in front of the section suddenly gave way.

Video from the scene showed several students spilling over the barrier and onto the track below as players, coaches and others rushed toward them.

Four students suffered minor injuries, according to Bergen Catholic officials.

Oradell Police Chief David Gangemi said one person was treated at the scene for a leg injury.

No serious injuries were reported.

Bergen Catholic President Brian Mahoney said part of the metal fence separating the track from the bleachers was compromised, causing the outside railing to come loose.

The school said the bleachers are inspected every year.

Following Saturday’s incident, administrators said another thorough inspection of the bleachers and surrounding structures would be conducted before they are used for future events.

The damaged portion of the seating area remained blocked off after the game.

The collapse came only moments after one of the biggest wins of Bergen Catholic’s season.

The Crusaders had entered the fourth quarter still trying to erase a large deficit before scoring 20 points in the final period.

The winning touchdown came with just seconds remaining, setting off the celebration that followed.

Bergen Catholic and Don Bosco Prep are among New Jersey’s most prominent high school football programs, making the comeback especially emotional for students and players.

Fortunately, what could have become a much more serious incident ended with only minor injuries.

Bergen Catholic is scheduled to host Paramus Catholic in its next home game.