<\/p>\n
A centuries-old Fengyang Drum Tower in China collapsed partially on Monday, forcing tourists to scramble for safety. Hundreds of roof tiles fell from the 650-year-old drum tower in Anhui.<\/p>\n
A video of the moment portions of the tower came crashing down has gone viral on social media. It shows a cloud of brown dust enveloping the area near the tourist site.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Debris rained down near visitors exploring the area, creating chaos and compelling people to run for cover.<\/p>\n
\nNEW: The roof of a 650-year-old drum tower in Anhui, China, collapses.<\/p>\n
The incident happened at the Fengyang Drum Tower in eastern China. Officials have since launched an investigation.<\/p>\n
The structure was first built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty.<\/p>\n
Part of the building was\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/5Py0YJOGak<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 20, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
One of the eyewitnesses told Yangcheng Evening News, “The tile falling lasted for a minute or two.” Another witness told the Beijing News, “There was no one in the square and no one was injured; if it happened a little later, there would be many children playing (near the tower) after dinner.”<\/p>\n
The structure was first built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty. A part of the building was ruined in 1853 during the Qing Dynasty and was rebuilt 150 years later in 1995. In 2023, a restoration project was launched. It was wrapped up in March 2024.<\/p>\n
The roof, which suffered a partial collapse, was built a year ago. Social media users expressed shock and concern over the poor construction quality.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
One person commented, “Modern restoration construction compared to something built 650 years ago.”<\/p>\n
\nModern restoration construction compared to something built 650 years ago.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Old School Eddie (@Old_SchoolEddie) May 20, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Another wrote, “Old Chinese building techniques, structure stands 600+ years. Modern Chinese renovation, collapses in under 2 years.”<\/p>\n
\nOld Chinese building techniques, structure stands 600+ years. Modern Chinese renovation, collapses in under 2 years.<\/p>\n