Community Corner

Car-on-Roof Prank Causes Safety Concern

Was this a harmless prank or serious safety issue?

Terry Kamibayashi had an unsual mission awaiting him when he arrived to work Wednesday morning. The manager of maintenance and construction for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District was tasked with removing a car from atop Malibu High School.

During this season of senior pranks and general tomfoolery, stunts aren't unheard of, but Kamibayashi had major concerns about this one.

"I know at some point it seems comical, but we had to look at it seriously," he said, citing concerns about the weight of the car, structural integrity of the school's administration building and the safety of the students and staff.

"We jumped on it immediately because something of that nature ... we didn't know the weight of the car," Kamibayashi said. "It was a great concern of mine to get out there as soon as possible to mitigate any damage."

Six of the district's staff members went to the school to investigate and remove the car, which turned out to be just the frame of what Kamibayashi believes was a Ford of some sort. The motor, windows and interior had been removed.

District personnel were able to cut up the frame and remove it. Kamibayashi said the prank did not cause damage to the building.

He also said he does not know how the pranksters got the car onto the roof, though he speculates the use of a crane or lift was involved.

"We didn't see any damage to the building like scraping on the edges," he said, so he doesn't think the frame was dragged up.

Malibu High School principal, Jerry Block, refused comment on the prank.

Was the prank harmless fun or something more serious? Let us know what you think in the comments section.


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