CINCINNATI (AP) – A balcony on the third floor of a building in Cincinnati collapsed on Friday evening, leading to the hospitalization of 10 individuals. Among those injured, one person is reported to be in critical condition, as stated by local officials.

According to Cincinnati Police Department Captain Stephen Bower, five of the injured individuals sustained serious injuries, while four others suffered minor injuries. During a news conference, Bower described the building as a residence primarily for students. "They had a big exam today and they were celebrating," he noted, implying that the gathering may have been related to post-exam festivities.

The incident triggered an immediate investigation into the cause of the collapse, as confirmed by Cincinnati Fire Chief Frank McKinley during an interview with WKRC-TV. The investigation aims to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the balcony's failure.

While details surrounding the incident are still emerging, officials have not yet clarified the exact number of individuals present on the balcony at the time it collapsed. Eyewitness accounts and social media posts show images of the balcony on the ground, surrounded by emergency personnel conducting their duties.

As the situation develops, more information will likely become available, shedding light on any potential regulatory issues or building safety concerns that could have contributed to the incident. Community members and those associated with the building are left in shock as authorities continue their work to understand the cause and assess any future risks of similar occurrences.

This tragic event underscores the importance of maintaining safety standards in residential buildings, especially those housing large groups such as students. As investigations proceed, stakeholders will be keenly watching for recommendations that may arise to prevent such accidents in the future.