| A sacred stupa at Thongpong village temple in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane, collapsed early yesterday morning. The incident occurre d at about 6:30am after a sustained period of heavy rainfall and villagers believe the stupa collapsed due to poor construction. According to Mr Noukham Saysourigna, the temple coordinator, the 37-metre high by 8-metre wide stupa named Prabhouthabath Phrathat Phonesavanh was built in 1965 by monk Pra-ajan Maha Saveth Xayaphet. The stupa was assembled seven years after the temple was built, at a time when there were about 10 houses in the village. Village elders said the collapse of the stupa can be attributed to poor construction and heavy rain. Recent earth tremors in the central and northern provinces and in neighbouring countries may also have contributed, they said. The stupa was built to house Buddhist relics and other ancient material collected and donated by Buddhists over time, including items describing the life and history of Buddha and other religious artefacts. "Buddhists came here on special occasions, especially Lao New Year, to worship," Mr Noukham said. Following the incident, officials have cordoned off the area to prevent people from coming too close to the debris, as it is still unknown exactly what was stored inside the stupa. Already people are flocking to see the wreckage and make donations for the restoration of the stupa. Village authorities have informed district and Vientiane authorities and the Ministry of ... |
