MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho is in the headlines again on Tuesday — this time it’s the Greek feud.
On Saturday evening, a structure built by members of Phi Kappa Tau collapsed, injuring four people. Two were evacuated to area hospitals, according to Moscow Fire.
Phi Kappa Tau from the University of Idaho, three days after the structure collapsed which sent four people to hospital.
Moscow Fire Chief Brian Nickerson said two women were seriously injured in the incident and were evacuated to Kootenai Health and St. Joseph’s in Lewiston. KHQ attempted to contact the hospitals today for an update on their injuries, but we have no word yet.
“There was a lot of screaming just as he fell. People around started screaming because they were scared,” said Nate Rice, a sophomore at the University of Idaho.
He was at Phi Kappa Tau when the structure, built of logs, collapsed.
“We heard a loud creak and the next thing you know, we looked and the whole loft they had built was falling on people,” Rice said.
Rice said fraternity members immediately rushed to the scene and called 911. Ambulance crews responded and took four people to Gritman Medical Center.
According to a U of I Phi Kappa Tau elder, they build a log fort every year. It’s an annual tradition that has been going on for years.
Chief Nickerson says around 15-20 people were on top of the fort when it collapsed, falling on top of several other people.
Rice said those four people weren’t the only ones injured in the incident.
“He fell and hit him on the top of the head and he had a headache. We were worried he might have a concussion,” Rice said.
But rice says his friend is better now. The University of Idaho sent KHQ a statement, which reads in part: “The university is aware of the collapse of a temporary structure on the private property of Phi Kappa Tau. We bring a support for injured students and their families as well as Greek chapters and other students involved.
After Saturday’s collapse, Rice hopes that Phi Kappa Tau will stop building the fort.
“I don’t think it would be a good idea to keep doing this, especially after what happened. It seemed like a good idea and it’s been good in the past, but after something like this I don’t think it would be good at all to continue,” Rice said.
It’s unclear if the Idaho Fraternity Council will take action against the fraternity. KHQ North Idaho reporter John Webb spoke by phone with Moscow Police Captain Mark Brantyl and he said there are currently no charges against Phi Kappa Tau.
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