econ41
Senior Member
That is an inappropriate bit of reasoning.It was more over whether the reasoning given by Nigro in that statement made much sense. This part specifically:
Now maybe loud noises and such also played a part, but that's not what he says. The reasoning given seems to be "Damage from impact + Fires = Likely collapse". I think it's just a bizarre thing to say, the main issue being him conflating the damage of planes striking WTC 1 and 2 with that of debris hitting WTC 7.
He knew that the planes had impacted the towers and both towers had remained standing BUT subject to very large - extensive and intensive - fires. And they both collapsed - prima-facie as a result of the fires. Not the aircraft impacts.
And WTC7 was also the subject of extensive fires.
And, don't overlook the primary objective - the occupants of WTC7 had escaped. Primary goal satisfied.
And - the factor that most members seem to be overlooking. In such a situation an Emergency Incident Commander will prefer the prudent safety first choice. The fact that there was a probability of collapse and that the probability was worsened by observation plus expert advice favours the prudent "pull back" or "pull out" decision so popular as a target for truther word play mendacity. The basis of the decision was never guaranteed certain assurance that collapse would occur. The reality that it could occur was the correct basis. Especially since occupants had escaped.
I'm experienced in emergency management (Floods, bushfires, large scale water supply failures - not directly in high rise fires) and cannot fault the prudent decision made by those commanders. The actual collapse does to some extent vindicate their choice. BUT that choice would still have been correct if WTC7 did not collapse.
Do try to look at the event and that decision from the on the day in real time perspective. Emergency decisions have to be made in real time. They should not be judged in hindsight 20/20 vision by armchair critics who have never been in that front line role and have no empathy for the actual situation.
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