The demolition took place around 10.30 pm local time.
There were a number of explosions, before the building collapsed and created large clouds of dust. Clearing was started immediately, so that the rescue crews could get to parts of the building’s parking garage, which are of particular interest.
There, they hope to be able to get a clearer overview of any cavities where survivors may be. No survivors were found after the first hours after the building collapsed.
At a press conference on Sunday, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava of Miami-Dade County said the demolition would take place using “small, strategically placed explosives.” It is “critical” to expand the search, she continued.
After the building collapsed on June 24, 24 people were found dead, while 121 are still unaccounted for.
Accelerated demolition
There has been growing concern in recent days that the building is so damaged in the structure that it could collapse over the rescue workers, and the search was put on hold on Saturday.
It was therefore decided to demolish the rest, and the demolition was accelerated because Hurricane Elsa is on its way. Strong gusts of wind could contribute to the weakened building collapsing.
– The fear is that Elsa can bring the building down for us, but in the wrong direction, said the mayor of Surfside, Charles Burkett.
Different national day
The tragedy continues to unfold as the United States celebrates its national day on July 4. While fireworks were set off in cities around the country, this was canceled in several places in the region around Miami.
Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber pointed out that many in the city know someone who is still unaccounted for after the collapse.
– The blanket of grief that has settled over us, does not provide room, right now, for the cheerful celebrations that are traditionally part of July 4, it says in a statement.
– This July 4, we are reminded that patriotism is not just about loyalty to the country, Levine Cava said at the press conference.
– It is about loyalty to each other, to the local communities, to those in need with names and stories we may never hear about, but with whom we are connected through compassion and vitality, she continued.
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