Roof Collapse at Historic Fengyang Drum Tower in China

The Fengyang Drum Tower, a historical landmark in China, partially collapsed on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The incident occurred in the afternoon, causing a large cloud of dust. Eyewitnesses described the scene as 'surreal' and 'shocking,' as the roof of the tower, built in 1375, crumbled unexpectedly. "I couldn't believe my eyes," said one witness. "It happened so fast." The tower, which was recently restored in March 2024, sustained significant damage. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the area was quickly secured. The collapse highlights the vulnerability of even recently restored historical structures and the importance of ongoing maintenance and preservation efforts.