Numerous Mississippi State University students will be displaced from their residence halls after freezing temperatures ruptured pipes and flooded dorms, the university announced Tuesday.
Three of the university’s newest dorms — Ruby, Oak and Magnolia halls — reported damage from the recent dip in temperatures. Ruby Hall, which houses about 412 students, was damaged when a fire suppression system’s water pipe ruptured on the unit’s B wing. About half of that wing’s residents are student athletes.
Oak and Magnolia halls also reported similar ruptures, the university said.
The MSU Department of Housing and Residence Life will assist displaced students transition to other viable living options as repairs are made and damage is mitigated.
“We are still assessing damage on the campus, and that assessment will likely continue until temperatures climb above the freezing mark,” said Sid Salter, MSU chief communications officer, in the release. “These state-of-the-art fire suppression systems have not been subjected to temperatures this low in the life of the buildings.
“We expect as many as 450 of the 4,000 students MSU regularly houses in our residence hall system will be impacted by this event, and the university’s top priority is their safety,” he continued. “The university has already implemented a comprehensive effort to secure the affected buildings and protect the property of our students.”
Those students affected by the ruptures can call 662-325-3555 or email [email protected] for additional information.
Temperatures in the Golden Triangle are expected to eclipse the freezing mark today.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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