A specially equipped semi truck is the acting command center as emergency responders continue their search for people lost in the Miami apartment collapse nearly two weeks ago.
After the tragic collapse 13 days ago, Escambria County sent down the mobile command center, known as ‘Thor’ to act as a base camp for search and rescue efforts. While the rig was only meant to stay for 10 days, officials say it has been so useful that it’s stay has been extended until July 30th.
‘Thor’ is a specially designed trailer pulled by a semi truck that features satellite, voice over IP capabilities and radio dispatch communications, as well as space to hold meetings for search and rescue teams.
“Originally it was going to be a ten-day deployment and after the state had gotten down there and started the lone logistical needs of the area and have asked us to extend it to July 30th because it has been very beneficial and helpful,” said Escambia County Emergency Service Manager Eric Gilmore to News 5.
“They do have limited space down there,” says Gilmore. “There’s not enough workable space to actually house everybody who actually who needs to be in the meetings. So having ‘THOR’ in that space to be able to do that and get all the operators in one area and get your tactical and operational meetings is imperative.”
As of right now, 32 people are confirmed dead and 113 people are still missing.