25 people injured when awning collapses at N.C. school

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More than two dozen people were injured Saturday when a concrete overhang collapsed onto students and parents at a North Carolina high school.

Authorities said the accident occurred at around 2 p.m. ET when a box truck struck a concrete support for an awning at North Iredell High School in Olin and part of the overhang collapsed.

Twenty-five students and adults were taken to area hospitals, Dr. Howard Bell of Iredell Emergency Medical Services confirmed.

Officials say at least one student was taken to a Winston-Salem hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries, but they didn’t provide further details.

The students were gathered at the school for a regional band competition, officials said.

The competition was originally planned to take place on the football field but was moved inside due to heavy rainfall. The victims were unloading from a bus, making their way into the school when the collapse occurred.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic.

"People were crying, screaming, everything" Justin Cranfill said

Emergency personnel responded and treated the students at the scene, Iredell-Statesville Schools spokeswoman Susie Wiberg said.

"There are a lot of people here trying to help and pray. It's a sad situation," said teacher Cheryl Styers.

Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Brady Johnson told The Charlotte Observer that rescue crews removed several of the injured from debris.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with our students and I understand some parents were injured, too," Johnson said.

Authorities were still investigating the cause of the accident.

Olin is located about 55 miles north of Charlotte.

Contributing: The Associated Press