A massive section of the centuries-old Great Wall of China has collapsed after bungling workmen in northern China dug up a city square in front of it.

CHINA – Bungling workmen digging up a square at the foot of the wall have been blamed for triggering the disaster at Zhangjiakou, in Hebei province of northern China.

Locals also say a recent deluge of rain and additional major roadworks in front of the walls may have been a factor in causing the 100ft section to fall away in the early hours of the morning.

The first wall construction is thought to date from the 7th century BC. Especially famous is the wall built between 220–206 BC by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.

Little of that wall remains. Since then, the Great Wall has on and off been rebuilt, maintained, and enhanced; the majority of the existing wall was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century. (article)