Wire fault blamed for ancient tower-destroying fire

An electrical wire fault was blamed for a fire that destroyed a 600-year-old tower on Saturday in southwest China's Yunnan Province, investigators said on Tuesday.

The wire fault ignited nearby flammable materials in the southeastern corner at the top of Gongchen Tower, an ancient city gate tower in Weishan County.

The fire quickly engulfed the historic structure and burned it down. The fire was put out two hours later and did not cause any casualties.

Built in 1390 during China's Ming Dynasty, the tower is listed as a key cultural protection site in Yunnan Province.

Yin Junhua, head of a local music troupe that performs in the tower, is being questioned by police.

A team of experts will be assembled to assess the damage to the tower, said the local government. Reconstruction will begin following approvals.

600-year-old tower destroyed in SW China fire

The Gongchen Tower,an ancient city gate tower with a history of more than 600 years, was destroyed in a fire in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Saturday morning, local authorities said.