A worker from Romania was trapped under debris in Rome for several hours after a medieval tower near the Colosseum partially collapsed on Monday. Local authorities stated that emergency services successfully rescued the worker, who was then transported to a hospital in serious condition.
Videos on social media and Reuters footage captured the moments when parts of the 29-meter Torre dei Conti crumbled to the ground twice, with the first incident occurring around 10:30 a.m. local time and the second about 90 minutes later. During the collapses, clouds of dust and the sound of falling masonry could be seen and heard.
The second collapse happened while firefighters were utilizing aerial ladders to work on the structure, but none of the firefighters sustained injuries during the incidents.
According to Rome police Chief Lamberto Giannini, the rescue operation was challenging as further collapses occurred each time a part of the worker’s body was freed, causing him to be buried under rubble again.
Another Romanian worker was swiftly rescued and hospitalized with serious head injuries that were not life-threatening. Additionally, two more workers suffered minor injuries but opted not to go to the hospital for treatment.
The Torre dei Conti, situated along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, was set to undergo conversion into a museum and conference area. The tower, which had been unused since 2006, displayed significant internal damage despite remaining upright. The restoration project, funded by the EU and set to conclude next year, had led to the closure of the surrounding area to pedestrians.
Originally constructed in the early 13th century by Pope Innocent III for his family, the tower was initially twice its current height until earthquakes in the 14th and 17th centuries caused it to be reduced in size.