A partially completed indoor athletic facility at Gulf Shores High School in Gulf Shores, Alabama, collapsed early Monday morning. The facility, still under construction, was part of the $7.5 million project at the new high school. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but heavy construction equipment was buried under the steel girders, causing significant disruption.

“This is a covered practice facility with artificial turf and associated locker rooms and other facilities, and it’s just coming up out of the ground,” Gulf Shores city spokesman Grant Brown explained, describing the scope of the collapsed structure.

Residents in the area were startled by a loud noise between 3 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. One neighbor, Carly Gray, shared, “I just hear this loud boom, like a roar of a crash. I didn’t know what it was...had no clue at all.” The sound reverberated through the neighborhood, leaving many unsure about what had just occurred.

The $7.5 million facility, which is being constructed as part of the new Gulf Shores High School complex, is slated to open in 2026. The building is designed to serve as a practice area with artificial turf, locker rooms, and other athletic amenities. However, the collapsed structure was not connected to the main school building or any other part of the construction project.

Gulf Shores School Superintendent Matt Akin confirmed the collapse was isolated to the practice facility and not linked to the main high school building. "The collapse occurred in the practice facility area, which is under construction as a standalone component of the project,” Akin told Gulf Coast Media.

At the moment, inspectors and contractors are assessing the site to determine the cause of the collapse. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that construction resumes safely.

The collapse marks a significant setback in the construction of the new school, though Akin reassured the public that the project timeline remains intact. “We are committed to providing our students with a state-of-the-art facility, and this incident will be thoroughly investigated to prevent any future issues,” he said.

This incident has raised concerns about safety protocols on construction sites, especially considering that no injuries occurred despite the severity of the collapse. With ongoing investigations, local residents and workers alike are looking to officials for answers on what led to this unexpected event.