Node, 18:38 – no, I reckon Silverstein’s insurers would have nothing to do with it. They’d have become liable for the resultant asbestosis, just for a start. And that would provide a reason why it was carried out covertly. Anyone who admits involvement would become liable for premeditatedly causing death.
Maybe it was already being rigged while Silverstein was on the ‘phone, and he was just hoping to recoup some money.
The collapse didn’t have to be very accurate; the area was already a disaster zone. WTC7’s collapse did damage two other buildings; one was a write-off, and the other cost $800 million to repair, I think. Verizon Building and Fiterman Hall.