The Fire Department is denying knowledge of what is being called a controlled explosion at the Stanford Viewing Tower in Coolidge yesterday.A
Several media houses posted reports about the incident, with state media saying that a number of residents had complained about being startled by the explosion.
However, Observer reached out to Fire Chief Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivian Parker who said he knew nothing about the incident.
Parker noted that before any such course of action was taken other stakeholders should have been notified, including the Fire Department, taking into account the location where it occurred, which is in the vicinity of the VC Bird International Airport.
He said also that persons living in the area would have to be notified of such a planned action. Parker also promised to make checks to verify the report.
Online media reports indicated that sometime before midday on Thursday, February 20, workmen used explosives in their efforts to weaken the base of the tower.
Reportedly, a small area of the structure was damaged during the incident. State media reported that residents in the area indicated that they had not received any prior notice.
It is also unclear whether the relevant permissions had been sought, based on the response from the fire chief.
