Chinese Landmark Collapses: Historic Drum Tower Crumbles

Historic Fengyang Drum Tower Partially Collapses in China On Monday, May 19, 2025, a section of the Fengyang Drum Tower in Anhui province, China, unexpectedly collapsed. The tower, a significant historical landmark dating back to 1375, suffered damage to its upper stories, sending hundreds of tiles cascading down. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound before the collapse, prompting immediate panic and a mass evacuation of the area. One witness, identified only as Mr. Zhang, stated, "It happened so quickly. I was taking pictures when I heard a loud noise, and then the whole top part started falling." The collapse resulted in no reported injuries, though the incident has raised concerns about the structural integrity of historical buildings in the region. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and assess the extent of the damage. The incident underscores the importance of regular maintenance and preservation efforts for historical structures. The quick actions of those present and the lack of injuries are a positive note in an otherwise concerning event. The investigation will hopefully provide insights into preventing future incidents.