Sacred Temple Pavilion Engulfed in Flames
A dramatic fire has completely destroyed a three-storey pavilion at a sacred temple complex in China, with officials confirming the blaze was caused by a tourist's improper use of incense and candles.
The incident occurred on November 12th at the Wenchang Pavilion on Fenghuang Mountain in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province. Shocking footage captured the moment the entire structure became engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky and pieces of the roof collapsing.
No Casualties But Significant Damage
Authorities have confirmed that fortunately there were no casualties in the incident, and the fire did not spread to surrounding forest areas, preventing what could have been an even greater disaster.
Investigators stated that preliminary findings clearly show the fire originated from a visitor's incorrect handling of incense and candles within the pavilion. The exact nature of the improper use hasn't been specified, but it serves as a stark reminder of the fire risks associated with religious ceremonies and tourist activities.
Modern Structure With Historical Connections
While the pavilion held significance within the sacred complex, officials were quick to clarify that the building contained no cultural relics and was a modern construction. The pavilion was commissioned in 2008, built with a reinforced concrete frame, and completed in October 2009.
Since its completion, the structure had been managed by the neighbouring Yongqing Temple. Historical records indicate that the original Yongqing Temple dated back many centuries, though the current buildings were reconstructed in the 1990s.
Local authorities have assured the public that further action will be taken based on the investigation results, with commitments to strengthen safety measures and reduce fire risks at cultural and religious sites.
This incident echoes a similar tragedy in 2023 when flames ripped through the centuries-old Shandan Great Buddha Temple in Gansu province, nearly destroying the historic building and threatening a giant Buddha statue that dated back to 425 AD.
