Las Vegas casino-hotel demolition fails

Another day in Vegas, and another Hotel demolition. The Clarion is 13th structure to be destroyed to make way for new development. However, this time despite an explosive punch of more than two tonnes it quickly became clear that the job was not complete.

Another day in Vegas, and another Hotel demolition. The Clarion was the 13th structure to be destroyed to make way for new development in Sin City since 1993. However, this time despite an explosive punch of more than two tonnes it quickly became clear that the job was not complete.

An elevator shaft withstood the blast early on Tuesday. The shaft dropped about four stories and defiantly stayed upright.

The demolition was recorded from the ground

The demolition attempt was also recorded from a drone

Demolition workers finally then ended the 13-hour saga by using an Old West method.

Clarion hotel-casino site owner Lorenzo Doumani said workers finally borrowed an idea from their cowboy ancestors. They ‘lassoed’ the obstinate lift shaft with cables, then brought in a heavy crane, and pulled down the eight-storey tower.

The blast began…

After the explosion the elevator shaft (right) remained

The 200-room building had opened in 1970 as the Royal Inn and was once called the Debbie Reynolds after its famous one-time owner. It was also called the Greek Isles and the Paddle Wheel in its time, now it is gone.