‘Catastrophic Failure’ Of Pipe Causes Significant Water Damage At Keewatin Elementary

January 27, 2025

Dan Hanger,

KEEWATIN, Minn. — A “catastrophic failure” of a pipe Sunday morning caused significant water damage at Keewatin Elementary, forcing the school to be closed through at least Tuesday, Jan. 28, according to Principal Dr. Rae Villebrun.

Cafeteria

“We are currently working with Service Master, IEA, our custodial/maintenance staff, and insurance company to ensure the building is ready for the students to come back into the building,” Villebrun said in a statement to parents Monday.

Villebrun said her office had a “failure in the pipes,”, which caused hot steam to fill the room and eventually set off the sprinkler system.

The water “destroyed” Villebrun’s office and continued to flow into the cafeteria.

No classrooms were affected.

“After we meet [Tuesday] morning, I will have more information regarding school being back in session for the elementary students. Parents will be informed as soon as possible,” Villebrun said in her statement to parents Monday.