In light of the ongoing discussions regarding the inexperience ultra-high demolition excavator utilisation of some US contractors, and the willingness of others to use undersized machines, the outcome of this (quite old) video should become apparent about 21 seconds after it starts, even though it takes almost three minutes to reach its inevitable denouement.

According to the English-language voice over, the implosion of this incomplete and abandoned high-rise structure in the Chinese city of Zhongshan took place in a residential area. Which calls into question the huge amount of debris discharged by the blast.

Having bowed to reader pressure (temporarily at least) to continue to show videos of demolition gone wrong, here’s one from the (fairly recent) archives displaying at least one reason why the crawler crane and ball combination gave way to the high reach excavator in the ongoing evolution of demolition equipment.

A new video from DP Fuel Tank Services gives a useful and timely insight into how demolition SHOULD be controlled. We realise that this film will attract less visitors than a “demolition gone wrong” film, but as a website dedicated to best practice in the industry, this inside look at a daily Tootbox Talk makes a welcome change:

Volvo Construction Equipment’s Phil Jones very kindly sent us this video. Quite why the photographer found the idea of a building collapsing on an excavator operator funny is something of a mystery, although, as the film progresses, the gravity of the situation does eventually begin to sink in.

Thankfully, the operator survived (no thanks to the photographer) but these photos (also supplied by Phil at Volvo) of the damaged excavator highlight two key points:

• US contractors have a lot to learn when it comes to speccing a machine for demolition duties; a mesh guard on the cab window just won’t cut it

• Despite this, a Volvo can can take one hell of a wallop!

Now you know!

And why, if you’re planning to use an access platform as a wrecking ball, would you insist that your colleague was in the basket while you did so?