National Constitution Center Ceremonies Marred By Accident

PHILADELPHIA --

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The end of the ceremonies to open the new National Constitution Center in downtown Philadelphia were marred by an accident as Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and other participants in the ceremony were pulling the ribbons to officially open the Constitution Center.

When the ribbons were pulled, a wooden arch framing the stage fell forward instead of backward, as it was reportedly designed to do.

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Near Injury For O'Connor,Rendell Stage Collapse At Museum Opening

Several dignitaries were taken to the hospital for what were called minor injuries.

The arch hit Mayor John Street, Constitution Center president Joe Torsella and Aida Ayala, who was described as a naturalization clerk. Ayala was trapped by the arch and then taken by stretcher to a hospital.

Street was struck on the arm and Torsella was hit on the head by the falling arch. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell told reporters that he was able to step out of the way just before the stage setting fell. U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter said that the frame struck him on the arm.

All three victims were taken to Thomas Jefferson Hospital, where they were reported in good condition. Shortly after noon, Street left the hospital with a soft cast. He told reporters that he sustained bruises and a contusion across the elbow, but nothing was broken.

Street said that at first when the arch started to come down he thought it was made of Styrofoam, but it picked up speed because it was actually made of heavy wood and he raised his right arm to protect himself.

The accident happened after O'Connor was honored with Philadelphia's Liberty Medal.

O'Connor received the award in a ceremony outside the National Constitution Center, the new $185 million museum on Independence Mall that opened Friday.

Others on hand for the festivities included Gov. Ed Rendell, actor Richard Dreyfuss and singer Ray Charles.

The city has been awarding the Liberty Medal for the past 15 years to honor someone whose work reflects the founding principles of the United States.

Past recipients include former President Jimmy Carter, the late King Hussein of Jordan and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.

O'Connor said the duty to uphold the Constitution is shared by citizens, lawmakers, the president and judges alike.

Visitors to the National Constitution Center can see artifacts such as the inkwell that Abraham Lincoln used to sign the Emancipation Proclamation, one of Palm Beach County's infamous butterfly ballots from the 2000 presidential election and a lock pick used during the Watergate burglary.

Slideshow: Take A Look Around New National Constitution Center

Click here for more details and video from the new National Constitution Center.

Recipients Of Liberty Medal