Village Glen Update: Official Name Released, Chemical Identification Refuted

(Beaver Dam) Authorities have identified the person who died during an explosion last Monday at the Village Glen Apartments.  Benjamin Douglas Morrow was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is from the Appleton and Madison areas. The 28-year-old’s obituary from the Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home says Morrow graduated from Pensacola Christian College in Florida in May 2013, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Pharmacy, with minors in both Chemistry and Mathematics. Morrow had been employed by Richelieu Foods and living in Beaver Dam for nearly a year.

A controlled burn was planned for building 109 today but due to weather concerns it was postponed to Thursday. Fire Chief Alan Mannel says winds were expected to reach 20 miles-per-hour and gust up to 30 which was not ideal for the operation. Mannel says wind speed is not that great of a factor but noted their concerns where with gusting winds that make things uncontrollable. He says officials reviewed weather reports for both Thursday and Friday and felt like Thursday was their best option. Mannel says 21 fire departments will be assisting at the scene.

The chemical found in the apartment has been identified in widespread media reports as T-A-T-P, a volatile explosive that authorities have decided cannot be removed safely.  On Wednesday afternoon, Beaver Dam Police Chief John Kreuziger refuted the reports, emphasized that the names of the chemicals have not been released and repeated that the investigation is ongoing.

Dodge County Emergency Management Director Amy Nehls says tenants of building 109 will have a special area set up during the controlled burn. Nehls says there will be a fundraiser this Saturday hosted by the Beaver Dam Professional Firefighters. The event will take place at Tower Lanes from 1pm to 4pm. Two frames will cost $20 dollars and all proceeds will go to the residents of building 109.

 

Village Glen Controlled Burn Press Conference Tuesday, March 13