Century-old cultural relics were destroyed as a huge fire engulfed a university's auditorium in central China.

The dramatic video was filmed in Kaifeng City in Henan Province on May 2.

A huge fire broke out at the auditorium of Henan University, which was undergoing renovation works.

Firefighters battled fiercely against the flames, and the fire was successfully brought under control with no casualties reported.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

The auditorium, formally known as the “Old Auditorium of Henan University Henan Preparatory School for Studying in Europe and America,” is a notable piece of modern architectural art.

Built between 1931 and 1934 at a cost of 26,250,000 yuan (£2,900,000), it covers a land area of 3,932 square metres and has a total floor area of 4,687 square metres.

The building can accommodate over 3,000 people and is highly valued both for its practical use and artistic merit. In 2006, it was designated as one of the National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

5月2日23时20分许，河南开封，正在修缮施工期间的河南大学大礼堂发现火情。经消防部门全力扑救，5月3日1时46分，火灾被控制，无人员伤亡。目前，相关部门已介入调查。
河南大学在官方微博上表示，对于此次火灾，感到无比痛心、自责，向全体师生、校友以及关心学校的社会各界表示深深歉意。学校将尽一切努力将损失降到最低。
资料显示，着火大礼堂全名为“河南大学河南留学欧美预备学校旧址大礼堂”，历时三载(1931—1934)，耗资二十一万大洋建成。占地面积3932平方米，总建筑面积4687平方米。楼上楼下可容纳3000多人，具有极高的实用价值和艺术价值，是全国近代建筑艺术精品，2006年被列为第六批全国重点文物保护单位。
失火的大礼堂一直被誉为河南大学学子的精神图腾，不少学子对此事深感痛心，在他们心中，大礼堂相对于河南大学，就好比故宫之于中国。