Sulzberger Struck by Pipe Explosions

Linda Carrion/ Senior Staff Photographer

A series of pipe and heater explosions shortly before 2 a.m. have flooded several floors of Sulzberger Hall at Barnard College, displacing residents.

The extent of the damage is unknown, but residents have reported extensive flooding on the lower floors the building as well as in the stairwells and elevators. Residential life officials reported that the damage originated from the fifth floor. According to resident accounts, the explosions began in the common areas of the floors and spread down the hallway. Steam was also leaking from radiators. In addition, water is apparently seeping to floors below.

"[My roommate] Georgia came running into my room and said there was black water and steam in the lounge," Tressa Brooks, BC '11 and resident of the second floor of Sulzberger, said. "It was coming closer and closer to our room because it's the first one on the floor next to the lounge. So we started stuffing towels under the door, but it wasn't working anymore."

At Lefrak Gymnasium, housing officials told residents of the Quad that some may be displaced from their rooms tonight. Associate director of residential life Onika Jervis said shortly after the explosion that the housing staff was working on containing the flooding and that some residents were sure to be displaced.

"I know that all of you guys want to go back to your rooms right now. I'm with you. I understand that we're trying to get back in the folks who weren't affected, but others who were affected must stay in place," Jervis said at around 2:30 a.m., adding that unaffected residents would shortly be allowed back into the Quad.

Continue to check www.columbiaspectator.com throughout the night for updates.