At approximately 3:45 p.m. On Monday, April 20, 2026, a first-semester student fell from the sixth floor of a building at the Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Bogotá, striking the central plaza of the campus and dying on impact.
The incident occurred in the tower housing the Faculty of Law, according to preliminary reports from university officials and eyewitness accounts. The fall prompted an immediate emergency response, with the university activating its emergency protocols and ordering a full evacuation of the campus within minutes.
Students and staff described hearing a loud impact followed by shouts, which triggered a rapid evacuation. Nicolás Buitrago, a Communication and Journalism student, told La FM that he was in class in the adjacent building when he heard the blow and saw the swift response: “In less than five minutes, they evacuated the entire university and canceled all pending classes.”
He added that initial information on campus was limited, with no immediate identification of the victim possible due to the speed of the evacuation. “We only knew it was a Law School student. Friends or family will know who she is, but as students, we didn’t have time to recognize her,” he said.
Images shared on social media showed large groups of students gathered outside the campus gates, awaiting information. The university confirmed the suspension of all undergraduate and graduate programs for the remainder of the day, stating that academic activities would resume on Tuesday, April 21, under normal schedules and modalities.
In an official statement released via social media, the Universidad Sergio Arboleda expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending condolences to the victim’s family, friends, professors, and classmates, and affirming its commitment to providing support during this time of grief.
The Bogotá Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, including verifying the victim’s enrollment status and examining the circumstances surrounding the fall. No further details about the student’s identity or potential contributing factors have been released.
Later on April 20, the university issued another communication emphasizing that its mental health and support channels remain open to all members of the academic community, urging anyone in need to seek help through available resources.
What actions did the university take immediately after the incident?
The university activated emergency protocols, evacuated the campus, suspended all classes for the day, and coordinated with emergency responders who arrived at the scene.
Has the victim been identified?
No, authorities are still working to confirm the victim’s identity and her enrollment status at the university, as stated by the Bogotá Police.
Will classes resume?
Yes, the university announced that academic activities would resume on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, under regular schedules and formats.