Crane attempting to complete Clarion demolition

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -

The elevator shaft of the Clarion Hotel and Casino that defiantly remained standing after an overnight implosion came down Tuesday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the Controlled Demolition Inc., which was contracted for the project, said there was a chance the stout elevator shaft might "stall" during the implosion.

The company said the shaft moved downward along with the rest of the structure during the implosion, but came to rest after "failing" the initial four stories. The shaft leaned against the debris.

A crane with cables attached to the shaft assisted in safely pulling down the remaining piece, CDI said.

About 1,100 pounds of explosives were used for the initial implosion. It took about 10 seconds to bring down most of the 12-story, 200-room hotel that has stood at 305 Convention Center Dr. for 45 years.

Originally slated for 2:30 a.m., the big bang was delayed for about a half-hour as police were called in to clear out five people who found themselves inside the blast zone. Eventually, a series of explosions leveled much of the building as onlookers packed nearby parking garages to witness the spectacle.

When the dust cleared, a tower of the building was left standing.

Crews will spend about a month cleaning up the rubble.

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Crane attempting to complete Clarion demolition