LR School Closes After Sprinkler System Bursts

LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Pipes burst Monday morning at a special needs school in the Hillcrest neighborhood in Little Rock.

"Several of our toddlers, sitting at the table for snack, and water pouring like a waterfall out of the ceiling, on top of them," Program Coordinator Jackie Beatty said. "Water was pouring out all into the classroom making a big mess."

Teachers heard a loud boom and certainly didn't expect what came next.

"We take precautions as far as the dripping of facets etc., in the restrooms, but the sprinkler system, I'm not too sure we could have prevented that," Director Suzy Benham said.

As water flooded the floors, the teachers quickly evacuated the school. But with bitter cold and special needs students, this faculty base knew standing outside waiting for firefighters wasn't an option. So the children waited in cars.

"Not only are you trying to get kids out of here, but your trying to get oxygen, their trec kits, their medications, everything," Benham said.

Benham said the children were moved out of the school safely in less than two minutes. School will be cancelled Tuesday as the cleanup continues. But Tuesday won't bring about the end of their problems.

"There are materials that are in the classrooms, all of that will probably be replaced, so yes it's a longterm fix," Beatty said.

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LR School Closes After Sprinkler System Bursts