Owners of collapsed hotel plan implosion; no date given

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Owners of a New Orleans hotel that partly collapsed during construction say they'll implode the remaining floors but didn't say when that might happen.

According to a news release Tuesday from 1030 Canal Development LLC, multiple engineers have said implosion is the safest way to demolish the rest of the Hard Rock Hotel.

Parts of upper stories collapsed Oct. 12 , killing three workers.

The company's statement said it has hired contractors Kolb Grading LLC and its affiliate Dem/Tech, and is working with the city and other agencies to finish the demolition plan.

It says consultants will do seismic monitoring of nearby businesses and neighborhoods.

The company says it's also working on a plan to set up a protected walkway so the adjacent Saenger Theatre can reopen in early December.