Reference no: EM133592361

Problem: Giant Popsicle Gone Wrong An attempt to erect the world's largest popsicle in New York City ended with a scene straight out of a disaster film, but much stickier. The 25-foot-tall, 17½-ton treat of frozen juice melted faster than expected, flooding Union Square in downtown Manhattan with kiwi-strawberry-flavored fluid. Bicyclists wiped out in the stream of goo. Pedestrians slipped. Traffic was, well, frozen. Firefighters closed off several streets and used hoses to wash away the thick, sweet slime. The Snapple Company, a leading maker of soft beverages, had been trying to promote a new line of frozen treats by setting a record for the world's largest popsicle but called off the stunt before the frozen giant was pulled fully upright by a construction crane. Authorities said they were worried the 2½-story popsicle would collapse. Organizers were not sure why it melted so quickly. "We planned for it. We just didn't expect for it to happen so fast," said Snapple spokeswoman Lauren Radcliffe. She said the company would offer to pay the city for the clean-up costs. They planned for the risk so why did it go so wrong? Did they plan adequately or take extra precautions? How could they have prevented this outcome?