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WATCH: 1,500-Year-Old Yongqing Temple in China Is Totally Consumed by Flames

Historic pagoda engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing from the top, highlighting a dramatic fire incident.

Historic pagoda engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing from the top, highlighting a dramatic fire incident.
Yongqing Temple consumed by flames.

Historical legacy goes up in smoke.

A massive fire erupted on Wednesday (12) at the 1,500-year-old Yongqing Temple, located in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China.

The flames caused severe damage to the historic site’s Wenchang Pavilion – it basically burned the pagoda to the ground, leaving only the concrete structure standing.

Global Times reported:

“The investigation team for the fire incident at Wenchang pavilion in Fenghuang township, Zhangjiagang city, East China’s Jiangsu Province, on Thursday released a statement indicating that preliminary investigations suggest the fire on Wednesday was triggered by a visitor’s improper use of incense and candles.

The fire-damaged pavilion was built in October 2009 and housed no cultural relics, the statement said.”

According to the statement, all buildings within the Yongqing Temple complex are ‘modern constructions with no ancient structural remnants’.

“Based on the investigation findings, those responsible will be held accountable in accordance with laws and regulations, said the statement, adding that comprehensive measures will also be taken to eliminate all types of risks and hazards.”

The fire did not affect the surrounding forested areas.

“Videos posted by netizens showed that a multi-story pavilion building inside Yongqing Temple on Fenghuang mountain was engulfed in fierce flames from top to bottom, China Youth Daily reported on its official WeChat account earlier on Wednesday.”

Read more:

WILD VIDEO: Ceiling of 650-Year-Old Chinese Fengyang Drum Tower Collapses, Sending Tourists Scrambling

The post WATCH: 1,500-Year-Old Yongqing Temple in China Is Totally Consumed by Flames appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.