Multiple people, including kids, were injured after a bleacher railing collapsed during a regional soccer game at Waggener High School.
The incident occurred on Thursday night when a railing collapsed in the bleachers during a Catholic high school soccer game.
St. Matthews Police Chief Barry Wilkerson stated the incident happened after several students leaned on the railing while celebrating with the players, who ran over to them.
What we know about Waggener railing collapse during St. X vs. Trinity soccer game https://t.co/IHtxtgpucT pic.twitter.com/LOaf4lW6Kw
— Courier Journal (@courierjournal) October 17, 2025
St. X won the game in a penalty shootout against rival Trinity in the semifinals of the 7th Region Tournament. It was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it quickly turned frightening.
The St. X athletic director, Chris Tinius, confirmed to WHAS11 News that none of the injuries sustained at Waggener High School were life-threatening.
“During Thursday night’s varsity soccer match held at Waggener High School, several Saint Xavier students were injured,” Chris Tinius stated in his statement to the publication.
“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.”
A scene similar to this played out in the NFL in 2022 when fans in Washington fell to the concrete below after railings collapsed when Jalen Hurts was walking to the locker room.
Region Soccer Finals Moved From Waggener
Saturday’s Seventh Region soccer championship games have been forced to be moved to Ballard High School following an incident with the bleachers during Thursday night’s semifinals at Waggener.
After winning via a penalty shootout, at least three players tried to leap into the stands and celebrate with fans. However, the railing collapsed, and players and fans tumbled to the concrete below.
One witness described it as ‘truly terrifying.’
St. Matthews Mayor Rick Tonini reported that up to six players and students were taken for treatment. Three were taken by ambulance, while three others were taken by their parents.
With the damage to the railings, Saturday games scheduled for Waggener High School will be moved to Ballard High School, per WHAS11.
