By Isabelle Wilson-
In the aftermath of sub-freezing temperatures across the region, Seattle University faced a dormitory crisis as a frozen pipe burst, compelling nine students to evacuate their rooms.
The incident occurred amidst a broader issue of pipe bursts in the area due to the gradual warming following the recent deep freeze.
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Busy students were immediately forced to improvise, as they search for an emergency location to sleep for the night.
Senior Johnny Smith, one of the affected students, described the situation as something out of a movie, a scenario of “crazy flooding” that forced him and others to abandon their rooms.
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While initial reports suggested sewage may have been mixed in with the floodwater, Seattle University Spokesperson Lincoln Vander Veen clarified that it was a water pipe in the sprinkler system that burst, and sewage “played no role in the incident.”
Vander Veen further assured that there was no raw sewage in the water, eliminating the need for sewage treatment.
A video captured by one of the students on his cell phone depicted floodwater spilling from Hopkins House, with the water level reaching halfway up the door.
Freshmen residing on higher floors in the affected building described witnessing a “huge sewer flood” with murky brown water, highlighting the distressing scenes that unfolded during the incident.
The incident was reported by KOMO NEWS as news of the incident spread on social media.
While this dormitory crisis at Seattle University was a particularly alarming incident, it exemplifies the broader impact of pipe bursts across western Washington following the recent freeze.
Seattle fire crews responded to over 175 calls for pipe bursts from Friday to Monday, reflecting the widespread challenges faced by residents and institutions alike.
Beyond the university campus, other locations in the region also grappled with the consequences of frozen pipes.
In Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, the Angry Beaver Canadian bar faced potential indefinite closure due to flooding, as depicted in a video provided by the establishment.
Additionally, flooded classrooms at Dickinson and Wilder Elementary schools in Redmond reflect the impact of the waterpipe burst.
For Seattle University students affected by the dormitory incident, the aftermath leaves them in a state of uncertainty.
With common spaces deteriorated and covered in water, some students expressed concerns about the practical challenges they may face upon returning, including cooking meals.
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