Aftermath of Monday’s massive Georgia Dome implosion left locals businesses and cars covered in dust and residents fearing for their life.
One of the nation’s largest domed stadiums had been destroyed in a scheduled implosion in downtown Atlanta.
Nearly 5,000 pounds of explosives were on hand to blast the Georgia Dome in Atlanta to smithereens early that morning.
People gathered toward windows of tall office buildings, nearby hotel-top restaurants, parking lots and other areas around the scene downtown to watch the blast – but now, locals are left with the unsightly results.
Gregory Price, of 70s Car Wash, said cars coming into his shop have been ‘caked in the dust’ with ‘a hard, clay-like consistency that’s difficult to get off,’ according to local Channel 2 News.
A local window washer also said the dust has taken over several buildings outside.
Others are even concerned the leftover residue may be harmful to their health, while people suffering from allergies and bronchitis have been forced to stay indoors in the meantime.
Gregory Price (shown) of 70s Car Wash, said cars coming into his shop have been ‘caked in the dust’
Price said the cars have ‘a hard, clay-like consistency’ that’s challenging to clean off
Nearly 5,000 pounds of explosives were on hand to blast the Georgia Dome in Atlanta to smithereens Monday at 7.30am
The dome opened in 1992, and officials had said it would be flattened within about 15 seconds.
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority, which includes the 71,250-seat dome, had said it would take 12 seconds for the explosives to go off plus another three seconds for sections of grandstands to be on the ground.
The dome has been replaced by the $1.6 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium next door.
A 5-story tall industrial strength curtain between the two stadiums was on the scene to protect the new venue from damage, officials said.
Only 83 feet – less than 30 yards – separates the two venues, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The new stadium is home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United.
The dome was not only the former home of the Atlanta Falcons but also the site of two Super Bowls, 1996 Olympics Games events and NCAA basketball tournaments
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority said it would take 12 seconds for the explosives to go off plus another three seconds for sections of grandstands to be on the ground
The dome opened in 1992, and officials had said it would be flattened within about 15 seconds
In addition to the retractable roof that opens like a camera lens, Mercedes-Benz Stadium boasts a 1,100-foot ‘halo board’ video display and a giant steel sculpture of a falcon with its 70-foot wingspan at one of the main entrances.
Several streets and parts of Atlanta’s transit system were closed, police said, to accommodate the blast and spectators.
The idea for the Georgia Dome dates to the mid-1980s, when civic leaders recommended a domed football stadium adjoining the city’s largest convention center, the Georgia World Congress Center.
The Georgia Dome has been the site of high school football state championships, Peach Bowls, SEC championship games, two Super Bowls, 1996 Olympic basketball, three Final Four NCAA basketball tournaments, concerts, pro wrestling and other events.
The dome has been replaced by the $1.6 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium next door (left). A 5-story tall curtain between the two stadiums protected the new venue from damage
Several streets and parts of Atlanta’s transit system were closed, police said, to accommodate the blast and spectators
Dust from the explosion drifted through downtown Atlanta Monday morning following the explosion
The Georgia Dome is seen at right with the Mercedes-Benz stadium at left in Atlanta