New Delhi, April 13 -- One of Miami's most recognisable luxury hotels has been brought down in a dramatic implosion, marking the end of a 25-year chapter and the beginning of a major redevelopment project.

The Mandarin Oriental, Miami was demolished on April 12 in a controlled implosion that lasted less than 20 seconds. The 23-storey building, located on the exclusive Brickell Key island, collapsed after a series of timed explosive charges, in what officials described as the largest such demolition in the city in over a decade.

Crowds gathered at a distance to watch the operation, while residents living nearby were advised to remain indoors with windows and doors shut due to dust and debris. The implosion followed nearly two years of pl...