BY IAN J. HARTE
Two dozen Seniors were abruptly displaced from Kingston and Lowell halls Monday morning, after a heating pipe broke.
Just after midnight, a Kingston resident discovered water pouring out of her radiator.
According to Facilities Manager Bruce Boyer, the accident started after a window was left open while the outside temperature was seven degrees.
“The baseboard heating pipe directly below the window froze and burst causing water to flood the building,” he said.
One of the affected Kingston students was senior Karly O’Keefe.
“Shortly after discovering the leak, it became clear that the water was steaming and would soon set off the fire alarms. We focused on protecting our things that were in the path of the rapidly spreading water,” she said.
The steam set off the fire alarm and students were required to wait outside.
Although authorities responded in minutes, the two buildings flooded so quickly that it was 3 a.m. before either the Kingston or the Lowell residents were cleared to reenter to retrieve their belongings. “[Lowell] students were allowed to return after we got power back on a few hours later,” Boyer said.
All Kingston students had to relocate to spare rooms in Notre Dame du Lac Hall.
“We had no idea what to expect as we were being relocated,” O’Keefe said. “Our house is so close-knit that the thought of being split apart […] was painful.”
Initially it was not known when or if the students would move back to Kingston.
“All but two rooms had [at least] minor damage,” O’Keefe said. “The room with the burst pipe and the one directly below it had [even more] damage; several of their belongings, including bedding and electronics, were destroyed.”
Boyer said there were several areas that needed repair.
“At least two downstairs bedroom ceilings, hallway ceilings, and downstairs walls will need major repair or replacement,” Boyer said. “[Fire alarms,] paint, and possibly flooring will need to be replaced.”
By Wednesday, it appeared students will be able to move back in a few weeks. “Current estimate is from 3 to 4 weeks for repairs,” Boyer said.
And students will even be permitted to reenter the dormitory before these repairs are finished.
“Luckily, we are all together and now expect to be back in Kingston in one or two weeks, according to ResLife,” O’Keefe said.
Photo courtesy of Facilities.