WEST PARIS — A rude welcome greeted staff arriving at Agnes Gray Elementary School on Wednesday morning, Dec. 28. A sprinkler system pipe had burst and flooded the cafeteria and gym. Water from the gym ran down the stairs putting about 8 to 10 inches of water in the cafeteria, according to West Paris Fire Chief Kevin Davis.

As of 9 a.m., school district and fire department personnel were cleaning up the flooded areas and stabilizing the ceiling which gave way in the gym.

According to Superintendent of Schools Heather Manchester as she was on her way to West Paris to assess the damage, maintenance does not anticipate a delay in reopening after the holiday break. No further information was available by press time.

A burst sprinkler pipe caused the ceiling to collapse in the gym at Agnes Gray Elementary School on Dec. 28. Lisa McCann photo