On October 9th, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the iconic Tropicana Hotel and Casino collapsed in a dramatic explosion of dust and debris. While the demolition marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for the city, it also raises important concerns about the safety of such large-scale implosions and their potential to cause serious injuries.
The History of the Tropicana
The Tropicana, a 22-story resort hotel that first opened in 1957, was one of the original landmarks on the Las Vegas Strip. Designed to be an “oasis of luxury in the desert,” the hotel offered guests a chance to escape the outside world and immerse themselves in pure opulence. Its vision was to provide a lavish retreat where visitors could indulge in the finest comforts and experience the glamour that defined the early days of Las Vegas. The hotel initially featured 300 rooms, but rapid expansions transformed it into a sprawling property.
The Tropicana quickly became a hotspot for celebrities, socialites, and even notorious crime figures, solidifying its status as a cultural icon. It made memorable appearances in films like The Godfather and Diamonds Are Forever. Its floor plan featured lounges, a large casino, a wedding chapel, expansive conference rooms, shops, a spa, restaurants and bars, museums and exhibits, entertainment venues, and many other attractions. By its final years, the property included a 44,570 sq ft (4,141 m2) casino and 1,467 rooms.
In October 2017, the hotel played a pivotal role in sheltering victims when a gunman tragically opened fire on a nearby crowded music festival, becoming a place of refuge amid the chaos. Throughout multiple ownership changes and renovations, the Tropicana never lost its place in the hearts of Las Vegas locals and visitors alike, even as it veered towards a classification as a “budget” hotel. It was more than just a resort; it was a symbol of the city’s rich history, encapsulating the glitz, glamour, and intrigue that defined the Las Vegas Strip.
The Decision to Demolish
Early in the morning of October 9th, 2024, the Tropicana was demolished to make way for a baseball stadium, part of Las Vegas’ plan to fuel the city’s economic future and create a sports district. In less than 30 seconds, around 2:30 A.M. Pacific time, more than 2,000 pounds of explosives brought the nearly 70-year-old structure crashing to the ground. Its’ send-off included drone and firework displays timed to tunes from well-known Vegas legends like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
Due to safety restrictions, there were no public viewing areas, and an invite-only event drew around 500 spectators. However, that didn’t stop people from flocking to the city to try and see the show. According to their websites, many hotels were fully booked the night of the implosion. The city is no stranger to making spectacles out of explosions. Many of the city’s other casino-hotels have been exploded in the past, including the Dune in 1993, followed by the Stardust, Aladdin, the Desert Inn, and the Riviera in 2016, the last to explode before the Tropicana.
It has become no big secret that Las Vegas wants to leave its “Sin City” label behind and rebrand itself as a sports mecca. With the demolitions of city staples like the Tropicana, officials hope new branding will help the city’s economic growth.
The Legalities of Demolition
To demolish a building in Nevada, you must first obtain permission and a special permit from the city government. Demolition of large structures is a complex and potentially dangerous process. If not executed properly, it can lead to serious injuries and property damage, especially if someone is in a restricted area or safety protocols are ignored.
Both workers and bystanders are at risk of injury during demolition projects, particularly ones as large as the Tropicana. Common hazards include:
- Falling debris and objects
- Falls from heights or collapsing structures
- Slip and falls
- Uncontrolled fires or explosions
- Exposure to hazardous materials, such as asbestos, lead, or chemicals
- Structural instability leading to unexpected collapse
- Airborne particles, like dust or toxic fumes
Any of the above could cause serious injuries, such as:
- Burns
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Chest injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
In severe cases, these injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Victims of demolition-related accidents may also face substantial financial burdens, including lost wages and mounting medical bills.
In Valentine v. Pioneer Chlor Alkali Co., the Supreme Court adopted the Restatement (Second) of Torts’ position on abnormally dangerous activities. The restatement states that one who carries on “abnormally dangerous activity” or “ultrahazardous activity” is to be strictly liable for all harm to persons and property that result from such activity. Strict liability means that the defendant is liable for the tort regardless of whether or not they intended to cause harm.
Contact Our Las Vegas Casino Injury Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, or the surrounding Nevada area and need legal help, contact our Las Vegas casino injury attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We have three locations in Nevada for your convenience, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson. We’re proud to serve Clark County and the surrounding areas.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 964-1806
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 800-3455
About the Author
Alex De Castroverde earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and is licensed to practice in Nevada. He is a dedicated trial lawyer who assists clients across Las Vegas in a wide range of legal matters, with a focus on personal injury. Alex has successfully represented clients in cases involving car accidents, catastrophic injuries, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and more. Click here to learn more about the outstanding case results Alex has achieved for his clients.
