The reconstructed roof of a historic 14th-century tower in eastern China, known as the Drum Tower in Fengyang County, dramatically partially collapsed this week, triggering an immediate investigation into the quality of the renovations and potential misuse of public funds. Eyewitnesses captured videos of tiles raining down from the structure while crowds gathered in the plaza below scattered amidst dust clouds.
No injuries were reported, according to local officials. The cause of the collapse is currently under scrutiny. The Drum Tower is classified as a key cultural relic by Anhui Province, boasting a base that dates back to 1375 during the Ming Dynasty. Traditionally serving as timekeeping structures within Chinese cities, drum towers hold significant historical value.
Interestingly, while the base remains historically intact, the current structure was built in 1995 after the original tower was destroyed in the 19th century. Recent renovations, just completed last year, were specifically aimed at addressing issues with falling roof tiles. However, the collapse has fueled skepticism online about the quality of these renovations, which reportedly cost around 3 million yuan (approximately $420,000). Concerns are rising over whether taxpayer money was mismanaged, especially in light of past incidents involving the renovations of other historic sites.
No injuries were reported, according to local officials. The cause of the collapse is currently under scrutiny. The Drum Tower is classified as a key cultural relic by Anhui Province, boasting a base that dates back to 1375 during the Ming Dynasty. Traditionally serving as timekeeping structures within Chinese cities, drum towers hold significant historical value.
Interestingly, while the base remains historically intact, the current structure was built in 1995 after the original tower was destroyed in the 19th century. Recent renovations, just completed last year, were specifically aimed at addressing issues with falling roof tiles. However, the collapse has fueled skepticism online about the quality of these renovations, which reportedly cost around 3 million yuan (approximately $420,000). Concerns are rising over whether taxpayer money was mismanaged, especially in light of past incidents involving the renovations of other historic sites.
