Loud explosions erupting from a film set not far from the Watermania swimming pool complex in south east Richmond had some people scared for their safety Tuesday afternoon.
The noises came during the filming of a sequence using a prison set built in the area of Triangle Road for the latest sequel of the re-booted Planet of the Apes series — War for the Planet of the Apes.
After the News posted details about the source of the explosions on its Facebook page Tuesday afternoon one reader, Meghan Macdonald, who works at Watermania commented there were, "parents grabbing theirs kids and running for cover. I just stood there and was like movie!"
When the News contacted Macdonald, who works in the pool's swim shop, she said lifeguards made an announcement shorty after the explosions to reassure the public the noise was from a nearby film set.
"The few families I saw from where I was working were extremely frightened, but the lifeguards helped keep things calm and under control afterwards," she said.
Another Facebook commenter, Sara A. Campbell, said she lives two miles away and thought a pair of bombs had gone off.
"Thanks for the warning," she added.
Ronit Berger posted she heard the explosions at home and was, "a bit scared."
City of Richmond spokesman Ted Townsend said the explosions were a controlled and safe event, adding the city, police and fire services were all made aware of the activity since a permit must be approved before the filming can take place.
The production company had all necessary permits and used professional pyrotechnicians, Townsend said by email. Plus, the
plan was reviewed by Richmond Fire Rescue and Richmond Fire Rescue staff were on scene to observe.
As for the startled reaction some people had to the explosions?
Townsend said the production company sent notices to residents in the surrounding area.
"Based on feedback we’ve received many residents failed to read the notices that were sent them," Townsend said. "In addition, the event was observed/felt farther afield than anticipated and, of course, witnessed by people travelling through the area.
"Most of the calls we received were simply seeking clarification of what had happened."
As a result of the public's reaction, Townsend said the city will be reviewing its notification requirements to see if there needs to be more robust advance communication for similar events in the future.
"We always require notification whenever there’s going to be explosions, sounds of gunfire, etc. that may impact on others," Townsend said. "But for public safety and other reasons the city has to exercise discretion as we don’t want as a byproduct to draw crowds to a location which can be disruptive and become a safety hazard."
