Full Breakdown
Deck Collapse at Off-Campus Residence Near William & Mary Injures 28
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Late Friday night, emergency dispatchers received a call of a “structure collapse” at the 200-block of Matoaka Court in Williamsburg, Virginia, about half a mile from the College of William & Mary campus. Fire crews from Williamsburg and James City County, together with Williamsburg Police, arrived to find the back porch of an off-campus house collapsed. City officials reported 28 injuries; 13 were taken to hospitals by ambulance while the remaining 15 sought treatment on their own. All injuries were non-life-threatening. The incident occurred during a homecoming celebration marking the college’s 100th anniversary.
Background & Context
The gathering was a homecoming party organized by William & Mary students. Neighbors described multiple ambulances lining the street as responders worked through the night. The brick house on Matoaka Court had been used for off-campus student events and is situated less than a mile from the university’s main campus. The collapse happened shortly after 10 p.m., prompting a rapid multi-agency response.
Data & Statistics
- Injured persons: 28
- Transported by ambulance: 13
- Self-transported: 15
- Injury severity: All non-life-threatening
- Response agencies: Williamsburg Fire & Police, James City County Fire Department, Riverside Doctors’ Hospital, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
Official Statements & Responses
University senior vice president for student affairs and public safety Ginger Ambler said the university was still gathering information and that staff across health, academic and student-support offices were mobilized to assist affected students.
Williamsburg city spokesperson Nicole Trifone confirmed the injuries were non-life-threatening and that the Codes Compliance Division was inspecting the property to determine any structural violations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are grateful that none of the injuries were life-threatening,” — Ginger Ambler
- “We saw a lot of hospital gurneys coming out of ambulances. At least nine ambulances kind of wrapped around the street.” — Joshua Wise
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
City releases and university statements have not identified a definitive cause for the deck’s failure. Officials indicated that an investigation is pending, leaving the specific structural or usage factors unconfirmed.
What’s Next
The Williamsburg Codes Compliance Division will continue its inspection, with findings expected to inform any required remediation or enforcement actions. William & Mary’s student-affairs office remains open for students seeking medical, academic or emotional support, and the university has urged anyone struggling to contact its support services.