Source: Derek Jackson, 785-532-0323, derekaj@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Cheryl May, 785-532-6415, may@k-state.edu

Monday, Oct. 5, 2009

WATER MAIN BREAK CAUSES SATURDAY EVACUATION OF WEST HALL ON K-STATE CAMPUS

MANHATTAN -- A water main broke outside Kansas State University's West Hall about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Water flooded into the basement transformer room which houses the power source for that residence hall, resulting in a transformer outage. The outage set off fire alarms and staff members evacuated the building.

Although the alarms went off, there was no fire in the building, said Derek Jackson, associate director of housing and dining services.

"There was arcing inside the transformer itself, but no actual fire," Jackson said. "The fire department and campus police responded to be sure there was no danger to residents. All our safety systems functioned properly and all student property is safe from damage."

About 50 students remaining in West Hall during fall break either stayed with friends or moved to temporary housing provided by the university Saturday night. Power remained out for about 24 hours. Power was restored and residents were allowed to return to the building about 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, Jackson said.

Power is being provided by a back-up generator until a new transformer can be installed. Larson Construction repaired the water main break Sunday. West Hall is part of the Derby complex on Old Claflin Road.