Investigators are looking into the roof collapse of China's largest Drum Tower, built in the Ming Dynasty, after hundreds of tiles fell near visitors, fortunately resulting in no injuries.
Ming Dynasty Tower Roof Collapses in Anhui, No Injuries Reported
Ming Dynasty Tower Roof Collapses in Anhui, No Injuries Reported
Tower collapse prompts investigation as local officials ensure visitor safety at historic site.
The historic Drum Tower in Fengyang County, Anhui province, witnessed a roof collapse on Monday, around 18:30 local time, with eyewitnesses capturing footage of the dramatic moment as tiles rained down, narrowly avoiding bystanders. Fortunately, local media reports stated that there were no injuries following the incident.
Constructed in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty, the tower, noted for its grandeur, underwent a significant reconstruction in 1995. Local authorities, about 200 miles from Beijing, have commenced an investigation into the incident, ensuring public safety and securing the area post-collapse.
According to a statement from the Fengyang County Culture and Tourism Bureau shared via WeChat, experts were appointed to assist in the investigation concerning the design and execution of the tower's repairs. Following the incident, bystanders were promptly moved from the vicinity as safety measures were put in place.
The Drum Tower is now closed for repairs, with plans for its reopening to be communicated at a later date. Fengyang county holds historic significance as the birthplace of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, also known as the Hongwu Emperor.
