An ancient landmark has collapsed in front of horrified onlookers at a tourist hotspot.
The Drum Tower underwent major renovations at a cost of £352,720 just last year.
A large section of the roof tiles on the east side of the tower collapsed in front of shocked spectators at around 6.30pm yesterday (19 May).
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The collapse took place in Fengyang County, north-west of Shanghai, China.
A number of videos went viral on Chinese social networks Weibo and Douyin with the hashtag ‘Fengyang Drum Tower collapse’.
The Culture and Tourism Bureau of Fengyang County announced that no one was injured when the roof tiles suddenly plunged to the ground.
A spokesperson said they safely evacuated all visitors from the area before cordoning it off with secure barriers.
An expert team has been assembled to carry out a full investigation.
Officials involved in last year’s renovation work will be called before the panel to answer for the collapse.
The authorities said the roof started to show signs of crumbling tiles and cornice board damage in 2017.
The repair project was launched in September 2023 and was completed in March last year, as reported by Need To Know.
Following yesterday’s collapse, the Fengyang tourism authority announced that the tower would be temporarily closed for repairs to the roof.
The reopening date will be announced soon.
Originally constructed in 1375, the Drum Tower was largely destroyed in 1853 and the current building was constructed in 1995.
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