In 20 Seconds, Miami Erases Landmark Hotel

A hotel at one of Miami's most exclusive locations was demolished Sunday to make way for something bigger. Demolition experts completed the controlled implosion of the former Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key, a human-made island at the mouth of the Miami River, across from downtown. It marked the largest implosion for Miami in more than a decade, officials said. The 23-story building, which opened 25 years ago, collapsed in less than 20 seconds following blasts that occurred around 8:30am, the AP reports.

People watching the implosion safely from afar cheered and recorded phone videos as the building's framework collapsed following a series of rapid charges. Dust soon filled the air as building material crashed down. Some watchers wore face masks as they left the area. Residents within 800 feet of the building were asked to stay inside their apartments during the blast with windows and doors closed. According to Swire Properties, the demolition will make way for the groundbreaking of the Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a two-tower ultraluxury hotel and residential development scheduled for completion in 2030. The operation followed nearly two years of planning, developers said.