On Tuesday, May 21st, 2019, at approximately 11:40 pm CST an 18-wheeler crashed into the Phase 3 building at the Alabama Robotics Training Park (RTP) in Tanner. The investigation into the cause of the crash is currently being handled by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The crash and subsequent fire caused more damage to the facility than previously determined. It was hoped that the facility could be temporarily repaired in a manner that would allow classes to continue without much disruption, but that is not the case.
Disaster recovery services are currently on hold due to an order from the Decatur Fire Marshal not to enter the building. The original architect for the building will be on site Thursday, May 23rd, to inspect the facility. A structural engineer will inspect the facility on Friday, May 24th. The timeline for repairs is pending reports from both the architect and the structural engineer.
It will take approximately two weeks for the disaster recovery process to be completed once officials allow staff back into the structure.
FAME Classes are currently suspended until further notice. AIDT will send out a notice with a timeline for classes to resume when the information becomes available. AIDT and RTP would like to thank the cities of Tanner and Decatur, as well as ALEA, for their response to the crash and fire. Their quick assistance and action contained what could have been a much more serious situation.
An update on the process will be provided next week.
Also, please note that the AIDT Alabama Robotics Technology Park is not part of Calhoun Community College.
