Earlier this month, a lamppost fell across Calder Drive in front of Niemeyer East Living Center. 

The incident took place around 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, and according to Facilities, the reason for the fall was reportedly due to the high winds. Approximately nine minutes after the fall, a vehicle hit the post. The person involved safety exited the vehicle, and was not injured. Since the incident, students and faculty have expressed concerns over the situation repeating itself.

Jake Marg, assistant director of Maintenance, a department within Facilities, explained students do not need to worry about similar incidents happening in the future.

Marg stated that Maintenance and outside contractors consistently inspect on-campus equipment and mechanical systems. 

“Our department takes the safety and security of our entire campus community very seriously, and has regular evaluation and preventative maintenance in place for all equipment and mechanical systems,” Marg stated.   

Student Hannah Walter watched the lamppost fall right in front of her apartment window. She said she was doing dishes when she saw a large silhouette falling down.

“Seeing it fall was scary,” Walter stated. “We heard it drop and it literally shook our dorm because it was so close.” 

Walter also saw the vehicle hit the post. She was initially worried about the person because they did not exit the vehicle quickly. However, bystanders went over to make sure the person got out of the car. 

Marg explained that even though Maintenance is doing everything they can to ensure all the infrastructure on campus is safe and stable, freak accidents can happen. 

“No matter how proactive we are, mechanical systems and equipment do unexpectedly fail, despite the best efforts of our highly skilled staff and contractors,” Marg said. “We are dedicated to preventing as much as possible and responding in a quick and safe manner when these unavoidable failures do occur.”