In a dramatic incident that shocked both locals and tourists, the roof of the historic Drum Tower in Anhui province collapsed on Monday evening, but thankfully no injuries were reported.
Historic Drum Tower's Roof Collapses in Anhui, China
Historic Drum Tower's Roof Collapses in Anhui, China
A centuries-old Ming Dynasty landmark faces closure after a roof collapse.
Hundreds of roof tiles fell from the Drum Tower, the largest of its kind in China, as eyewitnesses captured the moment sections of the roof gave way, narrowly missing several visitors at the scene. The collapse occurred around 18:30 local time (11:30 BST) and was confirmed by the Fengyang County Culture and Tourism Bureau, which stated that fortunately, there were no injuries.
Built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in 1995, the tower is a significant historical sight, located approximately 200 miles from Beijing. Local authorities have since closed the tower to the public and have begun an investigation into the incident. The officials noted that the inquiry would focus on the design and construction of the previous repair work.
As a precautionary measure, bystanders were swiftly moved from the area, and experts were dispatched to assist in evaluating the structure's integrity. The tower's future reopening date remains uncertain as authorities continue their deep dive into ensuring the site's safety for visitors. The Drum Tower's significance is amplified by its connection to the Ming Dynasty's founding emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, making this incident particularly poignant for the local community.
