Tiles Tumble: 600-Year-Old Tower in China Partially Collapses, Thankfully No Injuries
Tiles Come Crashing Down at Historic Chinese Tower
Tourists visiting a centuries-old landmark in eastern China had a close call this week when hundreds of roof tiles came loose and plummeted to the ground. The incident unfolded at the Fengyang Drum Tower, a towering structure dating back to 1375, known for its role in announcing ceremonies and time throughout history.
A Popular Tourist Destination Under Threat
The tower, located in Anhui province, is a major draw for visitors, drawing in crowds eager to experience its historical significance. This week, however, the site turned into a scene of chaos as a cascade of tiles rained down from the tower’s roof, creating a billowing cloud of dust.
“The tile falling lasted for a minute or two,” one eyewitness shared with Yangcheng Evening News, a state-controlled newspaper. Another witness, speaking to state media outlet The Beijing News, described the unsettling sound of individual tiles hitting the ground from his vantage point at a nearby shop.
Lucky Escape for Visitors
Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. The witnesses mentioned that the area was relatively empty at the time, and had it occurred later in the day, there could have been many children playing nearby who might have been caught in the falling debris.
Recent Renovations and Ongoing Investigation
This collapse comes just a year after the tower underwent renovations to address minor roof damage. Local officials revealed that the damage was primarily concentrated on the tower’s upper portion, which had been rebuilt in 1995. The original Ming-era tower base remained largely intact.
The local culture and tourism bureau confirmed that no casualties were reported and assured the public that the situation was under investigation.
A Historical Treasure in Fengyang
Fengyang county, known for its rich history and culture, holds special significance as the birthplace of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor, who founded the Ming dynasty. During his reign, China experienced a period of unprecedented prosperity fueled by thriving international trade and a burgeoning population. This era also saw the introduction of paper money, replacing the traditional reliance on silver and gold.
