A portion of the historic Drum Tower in Fengyang County, Anhui province, collapsed late Monday afternoon, sending a rain of tiles crashing down near onlookers. Eyewitnesses captured dramatic footage of the incident, which took place at approximately 18:30 local time (11:30 BST). Thankfully, local media reports indicate that no injuries occurred.
The Drum Tower is considered the largest of its kind in China and has roots tracing back to the Ming Dynasty when it was originally constructed in 1375. After a comprehensive renovation in 1995, the structure showcased its historical grandeur until the recent collapse.
In a statement, officials from the Fengyang County Culture and Tourism Bureau confirmed an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident, focusing on the design and construction of recent repair projects. Local authorities promptly evacuated bystanders from the site and secured the area. Additionally, specialized supervisory teams have been deployed to assist with the investigation and verification of the structural integrity.
Fengyang County, located approximately 200 miles from Beijing, is notably known as the birthplace of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor who founded the Ming Dynasty. For the immediate future, the Drum Tower will remain closed for repairs, with officials promising an update on its reopening at a later date.
