Homecoming Celebration Turns to Chaos After Deck Gives Way at Virginia Party

Liberty Check

• Local emergency crews and neighbors responded quickly without waiting for federal intervention, showing the strength of community self-reliance.
• The incident highlights the importance of personal responsibility at off-campus gatherings rather than expecting government oversight for every private event.
• University officials continue to monitor students, underscoring the value of institutional accountability over expansive regulatory control.

A Virginia homecoming gathering descended into chaos Friday night after a back deck collapsed at an off-campus residence in Williamsburg.

William & Mary confirmed that students were among the injured when the structure gave way around 10 p.m.

Dispatchers received reports of the collapse on the 200 block of Matoaka Court, prompting an immediate response from city police and firefighters.

Emergency crews transported 13 people to hospitals, while another 15 sought treatment independently, according to the city’s update.

“All the way down the street and wrapped around just ambulances and fire trucks,” a neighbor told WAVY.

“We saw a lot of hospital gurneys coming out of ambulances. At least nine ambulances kind of wrapped around the street.”

Joshua Wise, who lives next to the home, noted that classmates were involved and praised neighbors for stepping up.

“We did everything we could to help each other out and I think that that’s beautiful,” Wise said.

William & Mary’s senior vice president for student affairs and public safety, Ginger Ambler, said the university remains grateful that none of the injuries were life-threatening.

“We are grateful that none of the injuries were life-threatening,” Ambler wrote in a message to the campus community.

City officials continue working with hospitals to confirm the final count of those treated, while the Codes Compliance Division inspects the site.

Our freedoms depend on staying vigilant.