Video shows moment debris from Miami Mandarin Oriental implosion smashes into nearby condo lobby

The demolition of the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami drew thousands of viewers Sunday but quickly turned chaotic for nearby residents, who say flying debris shattered windows, thick dust blanketed their property and left them facing costly cleanup and safety concerns.

"We initially were thinking, because of the wind and everything, that we weren't going to be impacted as we were," Hernan Picalomino said. "It was really close, where we felt our building shake."

Residents who live at the nearby St. Louis condos, like Picalomino, say the demolition took a chaotic turn.

"A piece of debris ... went through the front lobby window like a speeding bullet and destroyed our glass mirror inside," he said.

Video showed the moment the debris smashed through the lobby door as a man stood nearby.

"Luckily he wasn't next to the door," Picalomino said. "If he was next to the door, anyone could imagine a size rock like this going at high velocity — we'd be having a different conversation right now."

Residents also told CBS News Miami thick dust blanketed the property, and say they had to cover the expense of the clean-up.

"I believe it's going into the six figures with just the clean-up alone," Picalomino said.

Some residents concerned for safety from nearby construction

Picalomino and other residents that CBS News Miami spoke with off camera said they're concerned about their safety when construction of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, a new hotel that includes private residences, starts.

CBS News Miami reached out to BG Group LLC, who facilitated the demolition and resident's concerns and received a statement that reads in part: "Initial reports indicate that the controlled implosion of the former Mandarin Oriental in Miami was successfully completed. ... We have received reports of minor glass damage which were promptly addressed by our team."

"The narrative is nice from them, but for the people who live here and just experienced an implosion 100 feet away, it's a whole different narrative," Picalomino said.

CBS News Miami reached out to city officials regarding the demolition and are waiting to hear back.