the reply was in reference to the statement that the pilot must declare the emergency. the answer is that anyone in that ATCT can activate the crash phone and roll the emergency vehicles. Let the crash captain sort it
ATC cannot command an evacuation.
This was not a commanded evacuation as there was no coordination with the crew. This was a passenger popping the overwing exit causing more confusion and not helping the matter. Imagine the outcome if another passenger popped the right overwing exit.
EC