Several injured after railing collapse at Kentucky high school
Author: Cody Swinney
Published: 10:52 PM EDT October 16, 2025
Updated: 10:55 AM EDT October 17, 2025
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS 11) — Several high school students were injured Thursday night when a railing collapsed in the bleachers during a Catholic high school soccer game at Waggener High School, according to reports.
The St. X athletic director, Chris Tinius, confirmed to WHAS11 News Friday that none of the injuries were life-threatening:
“During Thursday night’s varsity soccer match held at Waggener High School, several Saint Xavier students were injured when a railing collapsed as they celebrated the team’s victory near the student section. Thankfully, none of the injuries were life-threatening, and all affected students are recovering.
We are grateful for the swift response from those on site and ask for the continued prayers and support of our Saint Xavier community. The school is fully cooperating with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association as they investigate the incident.”
St. Matthews Police Chief Barry Wilkinson tells us the incident happened during the celebration of St. X. beating Trinity in the regional tournament game late Thursday night. The railing and the bleachers gave way after the match, and St. X students collapsed onto the field.
A Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) spokesperson said the high school bleachers were inspected on Sept. 5 by the Construction Review Division of the Department of Codes and Regulations and were in compliance. The district is working out the repair timeline now.
St. Matthews Mayor Rick Tonini reported that up to six players and students were taken for treatment. Three were transported to the hospital by ambulance, and at least three others may have been taken by their parents.
St. Matthews Police Chief Barry Wilkinson said three people were transported to the hospital, and at least three more may have been taken by their parents.
No additional details about the victims’ conditions were immediately available.
The Saturday games scheduled for Waggener High School will be moved to Ballard High School, the JCPS spokesperson said.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
