Bleacher collapse in Hillsboro could be
due to metal thieves
Sunday, June 1, 2008 3:13 AM PDT
PORTLAND (AP) — Police say the collapse of a set of metal bleachers at West Union Elementary School could have been caused by metal thieves.
Six children were slightly injured Friday when the bleachers collapsed as the sixth-graders were outdoors getting their class picture taken. Sheriff’s investigators are treating the incident as a crime after discovering that someone apparently had tampered with the bleachers.
Sgt. David Thompson, spokesman for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, said forensics technicians determined that two sets of cross-supports that run along the back of the bleachers were missing.
Evidence specialists took photos and fingerprint impressions from the bleachers, while an insurance investigator for the Hillsboro School District also took photographs and measurements.
Thompson said if metal thieves took the supports to sell for scrap or if youths took them as a prank, they could be charged with assault and theft or criminal mischief.
‘‘It’s pretty unconscionable,’’ Thompson said. ‘‘Luckily, no one was severely injured, but six kids did get hurt.’’
West Union Principal Grant Corliss said the school’s maintenance crew had not recently disassembled the bleachers.
A couple of parents moved the bleachers a few yards for Friday’s photo session behind the baseball field. The bleachers were set up with a field of high grass as a backdrop at the rural school.
But as 56 students sat on the four-tiered bleachers, the bleachers gave way.
Bobbie Gregg, spokeswoman for Washington County Fire District 2, said most of the injuries involved ankles and lower extremities, and were not life-threatening. Three students were transported to an area hospital and three others were picked up by their parents.
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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com
