Collapse of Historic Drum Tower in China: Eyewitness Reports Surge

The Drum Tower, a historic structure built during the Ming Dynasty, experienced a significant roof collapse, narrowly avoiding injuries to nearby visitors.

Footage shared by eyewitnesses reveals a dramatic scene as numerous tiles plummeted from the ancient roof of the Drum Tower, located in Anhui province, China, at approximately 6:30 PM local time (11:30 BST) yesterday. Witnesses watched as parts of the roof fell, just missing several individuals who were at the UNESCO-protected site, which is known to be the largest of its kind in China. Fortunately, local authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred as a result of the collapse, prompting immediate safety measures.

The Drum Tower, originally constructed in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty, underwent a significant restoration in 1995 but now faces fresh scrutiny by local officials. According to a statement from the Fengyang County Culture and Tourism Bureau, an investigation has commenced to examine the incident, particularly focusing on the integrity of the recent repair work. The area was quickly secured by local authorities, who relocated bystanders for safety and initiated thorough evaluations with the help of expert teams to ascertain the cause of the roof collapse.

Fengyang County holds historical significance as the birthplace of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor, the founding ruler of the Ming Dynasty. As a precaution, the tower has been closed until further notice, with officials promising to announce a reopening date following completion of the necessary repairs. Meanwhile, locals and tourists alike are closely monitoring the ongoing developments regarding this cherished cultural landmark.