Students witness worker fall through ceiling of Westmoreland County school

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — A contracted worker was hurt and flown by helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital after falling 30-40 feet at a Westmoreland County high school.

It happened around 11 a.m. at Valley High School in the New Kensington-Arnold School District.

The worker was on a catwalk between the ceiling and roof working on the HVAC when he fell into the auditorium through the ceiling, according to the superintendent.

No one else at the school was involved, but some junior students did see what happened, so counselors are available for them to talk to.

“The high school was placed in lockdown to ensure the hallways were clear for medical personnel and to prevent students from leaving the building while the med-evac helicopter was assisting the evacuation of the patient. We thank the efforts of all individuals that helped with this difficult situation,” superintendent Dr. Christopher Sefcheck said in a statement to parents that he also sent to Channel 11.

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