The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism requests urgent measures to protect national treasures.

On October 23rd, following reports in several media outlets about a fire at the national historical site of Xuan Lung Pagoda (also known as Pho Quang Pagoda), Xuan Lung commune, Lam Thao district, Phu Tho province, around 10:00 AM on October 23rd, 2024, the Department of Cultural Heritage (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) issued a document requesting the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Phu Tho province to direct relevant agencies to coordinate with local authorities to urgently inspect the site, immediately take measures to protect the national treasure, the stone Buddha altar, and assess the extent of the damage and propose solutions, reporting to the People's Committee of Phu Tho province and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism before 10:00 AM on October 24th, 2024.

The national treasure, the lotus pedestal, had its lotus petals broken off due to the fire.

According to a report from the People's Committee of Xuan Lung Commune, at 9:45 AM on October 23, 2024, the People's Committee of Xuan Lung Commune received a report (from Mr. Nguyen Trung Hoan, Zone 6) about a fire at Pho Quang Pagoda. Upon receiving the report, the People's Committee of the commune notified and mobilized local officials, police, military personnel, and residents to provide assistance. The People's Committee also reported the incident to the District People's Committee and other relevant district authorities.

By the time commune officials and residents arrived at the scene, the fire was already raging. The commune People's Committee mobilized on-site personnel using available resources such as fire extinguishers, hoses, buckets, and basins while waiting for the fire department to arrive.

The fire completely destroyed the main temple building, the temple's facilities, and 27 statues.

At 10:30 AM, firefighters arrived at the scene and carried out firefighting operations, and by 11:30 AM the fire was completely extinguished. However, according to reports, the fire completely destroyed the main temple building, the temple's facilities, and 27 statues. The national treasure, the lotus pedestal, showed signs of broken lotus petals.

The report from the People's Committee of Xuan Lung commune also assessed that the Pho Quang pagoda relic received socialized funding through construction projects from artisan Dang Dinh Duy and various agencies, units, businesses, philanthropists, expatriates, and people inside and outside the commune. The estimated cost of damage is 25 billion VND.

Authorities are currently sealing off the scene and investigating the cause of the fire.

Phổ Quang Pagoda (also known as Xuân Lũng Pagoda, Lâm Thao District, Phú Thọ Province) is a national historical and cultural relic, recognized by the State in Decision No. 92-VHTT/QD dated July 10, 1980, of the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism ). The pagoda was built over 800 years ago and still preserves many valuable artifacts and relics, especially the lotus-shaped stone pedestal – a skillful and ancient work of art from the Trần Dynasty (14th century).

Source: https://toquoc.vn/chay-chua-xuan-lung-bo-vhttdl-yeu-cau-khan-truong-co-bien-phap-bao-ve-bao-vat-quoc-gia-20241023195131247.htm