TANNER, AL – On Tuesday, May 21st, 2019, at approximately 11:40 pm CST an 18-wheeler crashed into the Phase 3 building at the Alabama Robotics Technology Park (RTP) in Tanner. The preliminary investigation into the cause of the crash is that the driver fell asleep. There were no mechanical issues identified with the tractor according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The crash and subsequent fire caused damage to the facility. After extensive reviews with the original architects and structural engineers we are pleased to announce that the majority of the building has been cleared for use again.
Disaster recovery services will continue on site for the next few weeks and reconstruction of the front part of the building will proceed on schedule with a full release of the structure back to AIDT and the Robotics Technology Park by August 2019.
FAME Classes, that had been indefinitely on hold, are now back up and students have been notified. All classes that were being held in the Phase 3 facility will be in full swing effective June 17th.
“We are pleased that, after careful inspection, we can resume classes with minimal interruption just a little over two weeks after the crash. That is a testimony to not only the original design of the building, but also the dedication of our staff here at AIDT and the disaster recovery services provided by our contractors.” said Kristi Bain, AIDT Assistant Director for North Alabama.
The Alabama Robotics Technology Park is an Alabama Department of Commerce/AIDT training facility. Consisting of three distinct buildings, the $80-million-dollar park is a one of a kind destination for advanced robotics training in Alabama and the United States.
