Rhode Island

Students Evacuated When Broken Sprinkler Douses RI Dorm

About 300 freshmen at Bryant University needed alternative housing for the night.

Several hundred college students at Rhode island were evacuated from their dorm in the middle of finals after a broken sprinkler caused extensive water damage.

Bryant University President Ronald Machtley said in an email to students that a sprinkler head and pipe was damaged on the third floor of a freshman residence hall at about 8 p.m. Wednesday.

About 300 freshmen at the Smithfield school needed alternative housing for the night.

Machtley said the university is asking faculty to accommodate students affected by the flooding who may have final exams or presentations.

He says the school is working with the town fire marshal to allow small groups of students into their rooms to retrieve "necessary items."

The cause is under investigation.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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