Officials halted the West Columbus-Whiteville basketball game Friday night after a “disturbance “ caused a panic at the WCHS gym.
The game was later completed with no spectators, with the Vikings topping the Wolfpack to 70 to 53.
County schools spokesman Kelly Jones said the cause of the panic is under investigation. No weapons were seen or found in the gym.
A “commotion” in the stands caused the audience to begin running onto the court and from the building in the third quarter, Jones said.
Spectators shared on social media that multiple fights began in the stands. Both schools and members of the audience praised the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office for clearing the gym. State Highway Patrol troopers along with multiple deputies responded to the gym.
The sheriff’s office and school system are investigating.
