By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor

HOOVER — Berry Middle School closed Jan. 15 after an overnight water tank malfunction dumped a significant amount of water in a portion of the school.

According to a joint statement released by Hoover City Schools and the Hoover Fire Department, fire department officials were dispatched to the school to investigate the leakage. Early assessments included an odor in addition to the water.

“No students were ever in danger, as the incident was discovered before the school day began. Students were diverted to Spain Park High School as they arrived at school by bus and by car,” the statement reads.

All staff and faculty were evacuated from the affected portion of the school.  It was later determined that a part associated with a water holding tank failed, which caused the water to dump. Professional cleanup crews have arrived at the school to begin the clean up process.

The school will remain closed all day Jan. 15. School officials will later decide whether to close the school Thursday, Jan. 16.