Explosives were set off to bring down the remains of the partially collapsed South Florida condominium on Sunday night ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa.
Gatekeepers News reports that a total of 24 persons have been confirmed dead while 121 others are missing in the 12-storey build that collapsed on June 24 in Surfside.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told reporters the demolition went “exactly as planned,” adding that rescue crews have already been given the all-clear to continue their rescue efforts.
The resolve to demolish the building came after concerns emerged that the damaged structure was at risk of falling, endangering the crews below and preventing them from operating in some areas.
Gatekeepers News gathered that parts of the remaining building shifted on Thursday, prompting a 15-hour suspension of the work.
Also, the possible approach of Tropical Storm Elsa added to the urgency in the demolition.
As of Sunday afternoon, the storm was off the coast of Cuba with winds of 60 miles per hour (95km/h).
After moving across Cuba later on Sunday and Monday, the storm was forecast to approach western Florida on Tuesday or Wednesday.
