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MIAMI (AP) — 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.
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Implosion of Mandarin Oriental - Brickell Key pic.twitter.com/4RioGT0RFk
— Ysis Raquel (@ysisraquel) April 12, 2026
The 23-storey building, which opened 25 years ago, collapsed in less than 20 seconds following blasts that occurred around 8:30 a.m.
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.
A Miami Fire-Rescue boat surveys debris following the controlled implosion of the former Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Residents within 250 metres 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 ultra-luxury hotel and residential development scheduled for completion in 2030.
The operation follows nearly two years of planning and coordination with specialized contractors and the city, developers said.
Implosion was selected as the safest and most efficient method to maintain the project timeline while minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety of the Brickell Key community.
The implosion happened a couple of minutes after what looked and sounded like blue- and pink-tinted fireworks were set off near the top of the building.
A City of Miami Fire-Rescue boat patrols in front of the Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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