Roof Collapse at Historic Chinese Tower: Miraculous Escape for Tourists

Roof Collapse at Historic Chinese Tower: Miraculous Escape for Tourists Anhui Province, China—May 19, 2025 witnessed a dramatic event at the Drum Tower, a historic Ming Dynasty structure in Anhui Province. Hundreds of roof tiles came crashing down, creating a large dust cloud near tourists. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. This incident has prompted an immediate investigation by local authorities. "It happened so fast," recounted one eyewitness, who captured the event on their phone. "The roof just seemed to crumble, sending tiles everywhere. It was terrifying, but thankfully, everyone was able to move out of the way." The Drum Tower, built in 1375 and rebuilt in 1995, has undergone recent renovations. The timing of the collapse, just a year after these renovations, raises questions about the quality of the repair work and the structural integrity of the tower. Local culture and tourism officials confirmed that no casualties were reported and that a full investigation is underway. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and safety inspections for historical structures. The quick response of the authorities and the fortunate lack of injuries offer a glimmer of hope amidst the potential disaster.