UPDATE: Sussex County Courthouse closed due to water leak

GEORGETOWN, Del.- The Sussex County Courthouse is closed Thursday after a water leak and what was first described as ceiling collapse.

According to Delaware Courts officials, it happened early Thursday morning. The Courts spokesperson tells CoastTV while the incident was initially reported to officials as a ceiling collapse, in reality it was a water leak that knocked down a ceiling tile. 

The Courts spokesperson said the issue still required a complete cancellation of hearings and proceedings, as to stop the leak crews had to turn the water in the building off. No one was hurt.

Sean O'Sullivan, the Chief of Community Relations for the State of Delaware Courts, says while it is not common for courts to close for maintenance issues, this is not the first time it has happened.

"It's a rare situation, but  I can recall at lease one time where at the courthouse in Wilmington we had to close for one day for a plumbing issue," explained O'Sullivan. 

The leak was reported to be on the Cupola side of the building that faces the Georgetown Circle. The courthouse is home to Sussex County Superior Court and the Court of Common Pleas. 

Manuel Pedraza, who owns Caruso's Pizzeria, located right across the street from the courthouse, told CoastTV he was confused by what was going on. 

"We were surprised because we didn't know anything about it, and we saw people trying to open the door, but I didn't even know there was a leak," explained Pedraza. 

A sign on the door said those who were coming to Court of Common Pleas were told to call Monday at 9 a.m. for a new court date.