Two individuals have been arrested in China after using an excavator to create a hole in the historic Great Wall of China, according to the state broadcaster CCTV.
The suspects admitted to breaching the wall to create a shortcut and expedite travel in the area. The aftermath was caught on video by Chinese state TV, showcasing a dusty road where a portion of the ancient barrier has been pierced.
The segment of the Great Wall affected by this incident dates back to the Ming Dynasty era, spanning the 14th to the 17th centuries. This monumental structure, which stretches over 21,000 kilometers, was erected by Chinese emperors as a defense against foreign invaders.
Authorities have emphasized that the act caused “irreversible damage” to the historical site.
