A centuries-old Ming Dynasty tower in China’s Anhui province has suffered significant damage after the roof collapsed, sending hundreds of tiles crashing to the ground. The incident, which occurred on Monday at around 18:30 local time, narrowly missed injuring several people who were visiting the site.
Eyewitness footage showed sections of the roof collapsing, and fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, according to a statement from the Fengyang County Culture and Tourism Bureau. The Drum Tower, built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty, is reportedly the largest in China. However, it had undergone an extensive rebuild in 1995.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collapse, with officials examining the design and construction of the repair project. Supervision units have been sent to the site, and experts have been invited to assist in the investigation and verification process.
The tower is currently closed for repairs, and a reopening date will be announced later. The incident has raised concerns about the preservation of historic sites in China. According to reports, local authorities moved bystanders from the scene following the collapse and secured the area.
The Drum Tower is a significant cultural landmark, and its collapse has sparked interest in the preservation of historical architecture. As noted by the BBC, the investigation will focus on the repair project’s design and construction.
The incident highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage sites and ensuring their safety for future generations. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.