Lowell, Indiana — On Wednesday, workers tried to demolish the more than 100 feet tower at the former Rieter Automotive plant using an explosive charge that was expected to blow out two of the main supports, said Jimmy Harper, project manager of WEL Co.
“It ain’t coming down,” Harper said. The loud percussive blast intended to raze the tower sent some small pieces of metal into the area where emergency crews and onlookers watched the demolition in the rain. The tower remained standing.
Harper suspected the rain as the reason why the charges failed to detonate. The manufacturer, however, said that the weather would not affect the charges. Video and still cameras recording the blast site will be reviewed. Harper said it will take a couple days to have more explosives brought in from out of state continue the work.
Lowell Volunteer Fire Department Chief Clint Gorball said the safe zone will be extended much farther back. Gorball said metal shrapnel flew unexpectedly farther during the demolition One piece of metal cracked an ambulance windshield. Luckily, no one was hurt. The park and street will be closed on the second time of demolition.