A laborer from Romania was rescued by emergency responders in Rome after being trapped under debris for hours due to a partial collapse of a historic tower near the Colosseum. The man, in serious condition, was swiftly taken to the hospital following the incident. Videos on social media and Reuters footage captured multiple sections of the 29-meter Torre dei Conti crumbling to the ground in separate incidents, with clouds of dust and the sound of falling masonry filling the air. Firefighters narrowly avoided harm during the collapse while working on the tower structure with aerial ladders.
The intricate rescue operation for the trapped worker was prolonged as each attempt to free him led to further collapses, hindering progress. Another Romanian worker was promptly rescued with severe head injuries but in stable condition. Two additional workers sustained minor injuries but opted out of hospital care. The tower, slated for transformation into a museum and conference venue, stands along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, displaying noticeable internal damage despite remaining upright.
Originally constructed by Pope Innocent III for his family in the early 13th century, the tower, which used to house city hall offices, had been undergoing a four-year restoration project funded by the EU and was expected to conclude next year. The area surrounding the tower was cordoned off to pedestrians due to the restoration work. The tower’s height had been reduced over the centuries following earthquake damages in the 14th and 17th centuries.
