Former Mandarin Oriental hotel vanishes in seconds with controlled implosion | The Independent

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The former Mandarin Oriental at one of [Miami](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/miami)'s most exclusive locations was demolished Sunday to make way for something bigger.

Demolition experts completed the controlled implosion of the 23-story building in [Miami](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/miami) on Brickell Key, a man-made island at the mouth of the Miami River, across from downtown.

The building, which opened 25 years ago, collapsed in less than 20 seconds following blasts that occurred about 8.30am, in what is the largest implosion for Miami in more than a decade.

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 man, with his shirt pulled up to cover his nose against dust, looks toward the debris following the controlled implosion](https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/04/12/16/Miami_Hotel_Implosion_75294.jpg)

A man, with his shirt pulled up to cover his nose against dust, looks toward the debris following the controlled implosion(AP)

Residents within 800 feet (244 meters) 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.

![A City of Miami Fire-Rescue boat patrols in front of the former Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Brickell Key ahead of its controlled implosion](https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/04/12/16/Miami_Hotel_Implosion_576_8.jpg)

A City of Miami Fire-Rescue boat patrols in front of the former Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Brickell Key ahead of its controlled implosion(AP)

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.