A Pittsburgh Penguins supporter is in critical condition after plunging from the stands during a game at the PPG Paints Arena. The incident occurred following the team’s second goal of the match when the fan toppled over the railings.

The individual fell from the upper concourse, striking another person before falling 25 rows behind the Penguins’ bench. Eyewitnesses initially mistook the situation as a joke due to the fan’s swaying, but then witnessed the person missing steps and falling.

The injured person was swiftly taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, as reported by the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department. An investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances leading to the fall, resulting in the closure of ten seats in Section 234 of the arena.

The NHL franchise released a statement confirming the incident, stating that immediate medical attention was provided by Pittsburgh EMS and PPG Paints Arena staff before the individual was transported to a local hospital. The Penguins and OVG Management Group are actively monitoring the situation, expressing their primary concern for the individual and their family.

During the game against the St. Louis Blues, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby addressed the fall, expressing his thoughts and prayers for the injured fan. Coach Dan Muse also extended prayers to the fan’s family, emphasizing the gravity of such incidents that transcend the realm of sports.

Notably, this is not the first instance in Pittsburgh where a sports fan has suffered severe injuries while attending a game. Kavan Markwood, a Pittsburgh Pirates supporter, sustained significant injuries earlier at PNC Park, while a worker at Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, faced leg injuries from a fall near the stadium’s scoreboard on a separate occasion.