10 injured in Cincinnati balcony collapse

The third-floor balcony of a house near the University of Cincinnati in Ohio collapsed Friday evening, injuring 10 people who fell to the ground, authorities said.

Chief Frank McKinley of the Cincinnati Fire Department said one person was in critical condition, while the others had less serious injuries. Among those transported to area hospitals were university students, he said.

The balcony collapsed around 10 p.m. Eastern Time, firefighters said.

The house, on Stetson Street, is a few blocks from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Seven of the injured were transported there, according to Heather Chura Smith, a hospital spokeswoman.

Mr McKinley said there was evidence to suggest the weight of people gathered on the balcony, perhaps for a party, was too much for the structure.

The university, its Greek Life Council and its housing office were called to help the victims, said Lindsay Lomax, a spokeswoman for the Cincinnati Fire Department.