BEIJING: A 650-year-old drum tower in eastern China that just underwent repairs last year has sparked an investigation after its roof tiles came crashing down on Monday (May 19), narrowly missing tourists milling outside its majestic walls.
Several videos circulating on various social media platforms show part of the roof crumbling before its tiles slid off within seconds, sending up a large cloud of dust as startled tourists scramble away from the tower.
No one was hurt in the incident, which occurred at 6.30pm local time on the east-facing side of the roof of the Fengyang Drum Tower in Anhui province, according to the county’s culture and tourism bureau on Tuesday (May 20).
The bureau said in a statement that the county immediately activated emergency response measures, evacuated onlookers and cordoned off the area. An investigation team has also been formed.
Originally built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty, the tower comprises a raised platform base and a building.
The base was listed as a key cultural relic to be protected in Anhui in 1989. However, part of the original building was destroyed during the Qing Dynasty in 1853, and the building was reconstructed in 1995.
According to the bureau, the building has experienced damage to its roof tiles and eaves since 2017.
A restoration project was initiated in February 2023, with construction taking place between September 2023 and March 2024.
Netizens took to social media to express their shock at the collapse that brought down the tiles.
“That’s so scary. These tiles are like (tofu),” said a Weibo user. Another said: “If this were to happen during the ancient times, heads would roll.”
Other users called for solidarity, with one post reading: “It’s time to show the true Fengyang spirit! We fall but rise stronger. Let’s support each other through this challenge.” - The Straits Times/ANN
