Thursday, May 5, 2005, 3:00 pm, Normal, IL
We had to go to another office building on the campus and as we were passing through our office, I caught a glimpse of thick smoke bellowing from some where behind the Watterson Towers. Watterson Towers is the second tallest student dorm in United States and one of the tallest in the world. We on campus take immense pride in this fact. Most of us are now gathered together to see the sight and there is a growing speculation that Watterson Towers might be on fire! We all walked out of our offices to find out what is actually happening.
Once outside it becomes apparent that the fire is at least a few blocks east of Waterston Towers and that brought us some relief. My supervisor asked me to find out more about the fire and come back to the office. I start walking towards the general direction of the smoke columns with ![[info]](http://stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
maniyard’s camera in my hand. As I was getting closer to the disaster zone, I start to wonder if the fire was in my apartment complex (we did have a false fire alarm a few days back!). With those sickening thoughts in my mind, I increased my walking pace and soon I walk into the clear view of the disaster zone. I was relieved to see that the fire was not in my apartment complex but I also sad for those students who lost their apartment and other valuables to the fire. The fire was in an apartment complex a few blocks across the street from my apartment complex.
To add to the destruction already caused by the fire was the timing of the disaster. The students are having their finals during the next week and everyone is busy getting assignments completed and preparing for the final exam. So those who were affected by the fire are in a very bad situation.
In the evening after work, Kelly and I went to check out the disaster site. It was a very bad sight to see. The building was completely damaged by the fire. The firemen were still trying to put off sporadic flames that were still flaring up at random places on the roof top.
Here are some more links to the story –
Fire Destroys Off-Campus Student Apartment Complex
‘A real tough, mean fire’
ISU quickly aids displaced tenants
This news link has a helicopter shot! Large Fire Destroys Housing Near Illinois State
Google News links
Oh God – this is sad. Students probably won’t have any property insured also.
Good thing that “The university is offering housing, food, books and other items to students who were displaced.”
Posted by bhavanar | May 6, 2005, 9:43 pmI think most of the univs in these countries have group insurance policies for halls of residence. They should get something. Well, they can claim false laptop etc if they are lucky, lol. Haven’t read the links, but I hope there is no casualties. Good shots neo!!
Posted by maniyard | May 8, 2005, 3:54 amNo casualties.
Your camera being put to good use hehe
Posted by bhavanar | May 8, 2005, 3:56 am