Panic broke out at a well-known historic site in eastern China after a section of the 600-year-old Fengyang Drum Tower unexpectedly gave way, sending hundreds of roof tiles plummeting to the ground from more than two stories high.
The ancient tower, which dates back to 1375, was originally constructed to signal ceremonial events and keep time.
Recognized as one of China’s largest drum towers, it remains a major tourist draw in Anhui province, situated roughly 200 miles from Beijing, according to News.Az via CNN.
On Monday, the usually serene environment was disrupted when a cascade of roof tiles began sliding off, crashing to the earth and creating a thick cloud of gray-brown dust.
“The tile falling lasted for a minute or two,” an eyewitness shared with Yangcheng Evening News, a state-run newspaper.
From a shop at the tower’s entrance, another witness recounted hearing “the crisp sound of one tile falling after another,” according to The Beijing News.
“There was no one in the square and no one was injured,” he said. “If it happened a little later, there would be many children playing (near the tower) after dinner.”
The local culture and tourism bureau confirmed there were no casualties and announced that the incident is currently under investigation.
Interestingly, this structural failure occurred just a year after renovations were completed to repair minor damage to the roof.
Authorities clarified that the tower is made up of two sections: the original Ming dynasty base and a more recent structure rebuilt in 1995. The damage was primarily limited to the latter.
Fengyang county holds deep historical significance as the birthplace of Zhu Yuanzhang, better known as the Hongwu Emperor, who established the Ming dynasty. His reign ushered in a flourishing period marked by expanded trade networks