snow

Collapse of the century

Montana State University officials assess the stability of Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center on Sunday, Mar. 10. The collapse of the North Gym's roof occurred just 2 days after the collapse of the South Gym's roof. Officials will continue to inspect and improve building safety across campus throughout the coming weeks. Photo by Amy Lynn Nelson.

Early Thursday, March 7, many woke up to the unfortunate news that the roof of the South Gym in the Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center had collapsed overnight. The Bozeman Fire Department was first to the scene, responding to a call at 2:20 a.m.

The gym was originally built in 1973, and was not part of any of the renovations that took place in 2008. Engineers estimated that the roof on the North Gym would also collapse, which happened as predicted around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9. All classes and activities in the fitness center have been cancelled until March 15, when the situation will be re-evaluated. The structure of the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse has been announced as sound, and all events scheduled there will continue as planned.

The collapsed roofs were relatively flat in structure with only a small pitch, and while experts are unsure of the exact cause of failure, extreme temperatures and snowfall are likely to blame. Over 40 other buildings on campus with similar structures examined for safety. Anna Jurovich, a junior nursing student who visits the gym regularly and is a member of different intramural teams, explained that she was shocked to hear the news. “I’m just glad no one was hurt,” Jurovich said. “I was really looking forward to the free GX classes this week, but I guess they’ll have to wait,” Jurovich humored.

Snow is being removed from the roofs of buildings that could pose a concern. As MSU heads into the future, procedures for buildings and snow safety are being re-evaluated.

For more news on the situation, stay updated by visiting the University Communications website at montana.edu/communications.