Miami: 12-storey building demolished as Hurricane Elsa approaches - 121 missing

It was a necessary measure as it approached Florida tropical storm Elsa, which is expected to start hitting the area from tomorrow, Tuesday.

Investigations to locate the victims suspended on Saturday to prepare for demolition. The account of the victims of the catastrophe so far amounts to 24 dead, while 121 people remain missing.

The controlled explosion took place shortly after 22:30 (local time; 05:30 Greek time), based on live footage of American television networks.

Most of the 12-story building, the so-called Champlain Towers South, collapsed in the night of June 24 in a cloud of dust; it was one of the worst urban disasters in history of USA.

Authorities feared the rest of the building would fell, threatening the safety of rescue teams. These fears intensified as Tropical Storm Elsa approached.

"The demolition will be limited to the immediate perimeter of the building," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine Cava, but it was intended to disperse "dust and other particles that are an inevitable consequence of such demolition." we precautionarily urge the residents of neighboring buildings to stay indoors ".

"The demolition will be limited to the immediate perimeter of the building," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine Cava, but it was intended to disperse "dust and other particles that are an inevitable consequence of such demolition." we precautionarily urge the residents of neighboring buildings to stay indoors ".

Research to identify and to withdraw the victims will continue, although hopes for survivors have been dashed.