Historical sites in China face scrutiny following the unexpected collapse of a major cultural landmark, raising concerns over maintenance and safety standards.
Collapse of Historic Ming Dynasty Drum Tower in China Triggers Investigation
Collapse of Historic Ming Dynasty Drum Tower in China Triggers Investigation
Eyewitness footage reveals the dramatic fall of roof tiles from the iconic Drum Tower in Anhui province, with no reported injuries.
In a surprising turn of events, hundreds of tiles fell from the roof of the historic Drum Tower in Fengyang County, Anhui province, on Monday evening, narrowly avoiding bystanders. Eyewitness accounts and footage shared online captured the precarious moment when parts of the roof gave way, but fortunately, local authorities reported that no injuries occurred.
The Drum Tower, regarded as the largest of its kind in China and constructed in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty, underwent extensive renovations in 1995. Following the incident at approximately 18:30 local time (11:30 BST), the Fengyang County Culture and Tourism Bureau quickly reassured the public that an investigation is currently underway.
The tower holds significant historical value, being closely associated with the birthplace of the Hongwu Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. Following the incident, local authorities evacuated bystanders and secured the surrounding area for safety while initiating the investigation to evaluate the design and construction quality of the tower's repairs.
Subsequent reports indicate that expert supervision units have been dispatched to aid in assessing the situation, ensuring thorough investigation and verification processes are in place. Currently, the tower remains closed as repair work is set to commence, with officials promising a future update regarding its reopening. This event underscores the ongoing challenges facing historical preservation efforts in China as well as the importance of stringent maintenance for cultural landmarks.
