Historic Ming Dynasty Tower Roof Collapses, No Injuries Reported

Tue Oct 21 2025 22:05:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Eyewitnesses capture the moment as roof tiles fell from a 14th-century tower in Anhui, China, prompting an investigation.

The ancient Drum Tower, built during the Ming Dynasty in 1375, suffered a roof collapse during peak visitor hours on Monday evening, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Local authorities are investigating the incident, focusing on the structural integrity and previous repair work conducted in 1995.

Hundreds of roof tiles cascaded from the iconic Drum Tower in Fengyang County, Anhui Province, China, as witnesses captured the dramatic scene on video. The incident occurred around 18:30 local time (11:30 BST) on Monday, narrowly missing several bystanders who were visiting the historical site. Thankfully, local media reported that no injuries were sustained during the collapse.

The Drum Tower, renowned as the largest of its kind in China, dates back to 1375 and underwent a significant reconstruction in 1995. Following the incident, local officials quickly evacuated individuals from the vicinity and secured the area for safety. The Fengyang County Culture and Tourism Bureau attributed the collapse to the deteriorating condition of the structure and announced that an investigation is underway.

Local authorities are scrutinizing the tower's design and the construction efforts from previous restoration projects. Experts from supervision units have been dispatched to assist in the assessment and verification process. The tower will remain closed for repairs, with updates on its reopening expected to be shared shortly. Fengyang County is historically significant as the birthplace of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty.