Guidance needed!

[spots]

Ok so my school rental bass has had te funkiest sound for the last few days. Very thin, no bottom, sounded like a crapatino even though it is fully carved. so i was tuning it up as all the strings had flattened a full half step down. And boom the tailpiece wire snaps, the adjustable bridge, goes into 3 pieces (the legs fell off). The soundpost is still up though. I have no idea what to do... Am I at fault in this situation? I was tuning the bass up to its regular pitches, no dropping etc. Should my school take the bill? I need this bass to practice for jazz band next year. Could humidity have been the cause? I live in a small apartment and the only room i can store the DB in is the living room which has AC. I need some advice.
P.S. I've read the newbie links alot and also many threads concerning humidity etc.

[Kevinlee]

"so i was tuning it up as all the strings had flattened a full half step down. And boom the tailpiece wire snaps"

Sounds to me like the tailpiece wire was just giving out. This happens. I would think the school should cover the bill as it's not something you did out of negligence or abuse.

[anonymous0726]

Nor will the repair likely be expensive.