An estimated 60 people were involved Tuesday night in a massive brawl at a high school basketball game between Clairton (Pa.) and Monessen high schools.
A player and a Clairton police officer were treated for injuries following the game, which was being monitored by two Clairton police officers, two Monessen police officers and two security guards.
"It was chaos," Zachary Simmons, who was videotaping the game, told Pittsburgh's Action 4 News. "Chaos was everywhere."
Simmons said the game was tense throughout until things finally boiled over. "The second a punch was thrown between players on the court, the whole gym took the opportunity to take it out," Simmons said.
County spokeswoman Amie Downs told Action 4 that backup calls were eventually made to Allegheny County, Elizabeth Township, Glassport, McKeesport, Port Vue, Lincoln, Versailles, Jefferson, Liberty and Elizabeth Borough police departments.
Clairton firefighters were also called upon to ventilate the gym after pepper spray was used.
No arrests were made on Tuesday but some could be coming after video of the incident is reviewed.
Clairton City School District spokeswoman Alexis Trubiani said there will be an internal investigation as well as full cooperation with authorities. “We are saddened by the incident and remind all those that attend any sporting event (adult and child) that violence will never be the answer," Trubiani said in a statement.
