Japan: Sacred hall housing "eternal flame" destroyed by fire PHOTO / VIDEO

A fire has destroyed Reikado Hall on Miyajima Island in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Reikado forms part of the Daishoin Buddhist temple complex and houses the so-called “eternal flame”, which the temple says has been burning for almost 1,200 years.

The flame has been relocated to another site, while authorities said the fire may have been caused by it, according to The Japan Times.

The blaze was reported on the morning of May 20 and was brought under control by May 21.

The Japan Times also reports that Reikado Hall was previously destroyed in a 2005 fire, although the flame was preserved.