Leaning S. Padre condo tower demolished

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX The Valley Morning Star of Harlingen reports that at least 1,500 spectators on land and on dozens of boats watched as the Ocean Tower took just 12 seconds to collapse on itself.

Officials say cleaning up the rubble should be done by April.

The Ocean Tower was to be a 151-unit luxury project slated for a spa and other amenities. Construction began in 2006 but stopped last summer when it became obvious the tower was sinking faster than attached parking garages, causing cracks in beams and columns.

Developer Ocean Tower LP hired Controlled Demolition Inc. of Baltimore to perform the demolition.