In a shocking incident that unfolded on Labor Day afternoon, dozens of University of Wisconsin-Madison students found themselves submerged in Lake Mendota after a pier they were standing on suddenly collapsed beneath them. The chilling event, captured on a video posted online, has left the community in Madison, Wisconsin, reeling.

According to reports from the Madison Fire Department, approximately 60 to 80 individuals were standing on the Memorial Union Terrace pier when it gave way, sending them tumbling into the water. The terrifying collapse of the pier, which was not staffed by lifeguards, resulted in six people sustaining injuries. Fortunately, all injuries were deemed non-life-threatening, but one individual had to be transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison issued a statement confirming the incident and expressing concern for the welfare of those involved. The university revealed that a "number of students and other members of the public" were present on the pier when it collapsed. Many of the students managed to swim back to shore after the traumatic incident.

It was revealed that the pier was scheduled to be removed the following day as the summer season came to an end. However, given the unexpected turn of events, the university has decided to launch an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the collapse. The closure of the pier is currently in effect as authorities work towards understanding what exactly went wrong.

Eyewitnesses have described the horrifying scene as the pier crumbled. Gabrielle Willbrandt, a freshman who was standing on the pier at the time, recounted the moment of shock, stating, "I turned to this one girl, and we were like, 'Oh my God. Did that really just happen?'" Willbrandt's disbelief is echoed by many others who were present during the unexpected calamity.

Another student, Nicole Mitchell, shared her experience of hearing a loud noise before witnessing the entire dock collapse. Mitchell described the chaos, stating, "There were dozens and dozens of students on it, just tanning or jumping into the lake or talking with their friends and suddenly the whole thing gave way." Mitchell and her friend managed to swim to safety, keeping their phones in the air to prevent them from getting wet.

Authorities have confirmed that at least 25 people sustained minor injuries as a result of the pier collapse, with five individuals receiving immediate treatment at the scene. The incident has not only raised questions about the safety of the pier but has also highlighted the need for increased monitoring and precautions at popular swimming areas.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this terrifying event, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has assured the public that it is committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. The safety and well-being of its students and members of the public remain a top priority for the university as it works towards preventing similar incidents in the future.