Four students were injured Saturday when a section of bleacher railing gave way at Bergen Catholic High School during a postgame celebration following the Crusaders’ upset victory over previously undefeated Don Bosco Prep.
The collapse occurred moments after Bergen Catholic completed a comeback win, as players rushed into the student section to celebrate. Video footage showed fans surging toward the field, apparently triggering the railing failure and causing students to tumble into one another.
According to multiple reports, all four injuries were minor. An Oradell police chief told NJ.com that one student was treated at the scene for a leg injury, with no other serious harm documented.
Bergen Catholic High School President Brian Mahoney said the bleachers “are inspected annually” and that a “second thorough inspection” will follow the incident.
Mahoney added that Bergen Catholic is committed to providing a safe environment at all school-sponsored events. He explained that the metal fence between the track and bleachers was compromised, causing the outside railing to detach. “Thankfully, only four students sustained minor injuries and did not require medical attention,” he said.
The school will conduct a second thorough inspection of the bleachers and surrounding structures. “The safety and well-being of our students and community remain our highest priority,” Mahoney said. Bergen Catholic is scheduled to host Paramus Catholic next weekend before playing its next two games on the road.
