By Molly Walsh
cleveland.com
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Ten high school students touring Virginia Tech were injured Thursday after a utility grate collapsed, sending them falling about 6 feet onto a concrete surface, university officials said.
The incident happened near Pamplin Hall about 9:30 a.m. when the group from Washington County Public Schools was listening to guides outside the academic building. The grate, which was located next to the hall’s atrium windows, suddenly gave way under their weight.
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Three of the students were taken by ambulance to LewisGale Hospital Montgomery for further evaluation, officials said. Seven others were treated at the scene. All were expected to recover.
Keith Perrigan, superintendent of Washington County Public Schools, said in a statement that no serious injuries were reported.
After the fall, the remaining tour participants were moved to nearby Derring Hall and offered support services.
Virginia Tech said the area was immediately secured and the damaged grate barricaded. Crews are inspecting similar structures across campus as a precaution.
Officials are investigating what caused the grate to fail.
The students were participating in a summer enrichment program aimed at introducing high schoolers to college life.
No further details about the students’ identities were released.
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