The commercial demolition industry in the US is projected to grow steadily from 2016 as the housing market recovers and construction activity increases. While it can be a lucrative business, one mistake could cost you years of efforts. Here are some of the biggest demolitions fails and lessons you can learn from them.

Springfield Power Station

In November 2010, spectators watched and fled in horror as a 300ft power station chimney in Springfield Power Station fell the wrong way in a demolition gone wrong. While there were no fatalities and nobody was injured, the tower knocked down two major power lines leaving more than 4,000 people with no power. Investigations later revealed that an undetected crack on one side of the tower pulled it the wrong direction.

Lesson: The major take away from this incident is the need to study a site thoroughly before planning. Investigate every crack, angle, and structure. Ignoring the small details can cost the project dearly.

Sioux Feed Mill

The Zip Feed Mill in South Dakota in 2005 won against the demolition crew when it got wedged into the structure's basement and refused to go down. An investigation later revealed that the rear of the tower was rotten and lacked the strength to push over and allow a total collapse. The company had to launch cranes and construction equipment to bring it down, which took longer and was risky.

Lesson: Have a backup plan for a backfired demolition. Going into a halfway collapsed building is risky making it difficult to access the project or plan another move. Resorting to extra equipment and manpower is costly, tedious and will eat into your profits. It also compromises your reputation and a client's timelines.

Pell City

The Pell City demolition in Alabama in 2015 went wrong as the 158-foot tower crashed back on the excavator driver. The tower was already weak after several detonations failed to bring it down.

Lesson: The safety of your crew must be a priority when offering demolition services. In a high-risk project like those with an already compromised stability, it is critical to have drivers and other staff in full safety gear including respiratory protection, personnel fall arrest systems, and impact protection suits.

Being in the commercial demolitions and wrecking industry requires courage, professionalism and intensive investment in skill and knowledge. One mistake can cost you your lifetime savings or leave you in jail. For more information, contact companies like Environmental Cleansing Corp.