An exclusive 23-story Miami hotel vanishes in a 15-second implosion

MIAMI (AP) — A hotel in one of Miami’s most exclusive locations was demolished Sunday to make way for something bigger.

Demolition experts have completed the controlled explosion of the former Mandarin Oriental, Miami, on Brickell Key, a man-made island across from downtown at the mouth of the Miami River. Officials said it was the largest explosion in Miami in more than a decade.

The 23-storey building, which was put into service 25 years ago, collapsed in less than 20 seconds after the explosion that occurred at around 08.30 in the morning.

People watching the explosion safely from afar recorded phone video and applauded as the building’s frame collapsed after a series of rapid attacks. Dust soon filled the air as the construction material collapsed. Some observers wore face masks as they left the area.

Residents within 800 feet (244 meters) of the building were asked to remain in their apartments with windows and doors closed during the explosion.

The demolition will lead to the groundbreaking of The Residences at Miami Mandarin Oriental, a two-tower ultra-luxury hotel and residential project scheduled for completion in 2030, according to Swire Properties.

The operation followed nearly two years of planning and coordination with specialized contractors and the city, developers said. Explosion was chosen as the safest and most effective method to maintain the project timeline while minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety of the Brickell Key community.

The explosion occurred just minutes after blue and pink fireworks exploded near the top of the building.