Worker rescued after medieval tower collapses in central Rome

A construction worker has been successfully rescued after being trapped for hours beneath the rubble of a partially collapsed medieval tower in central Rome. The incident occurred at the historic Torre dei Conti, located near the Colosseum, which suffered two separate collapses during ongoing renovation work. The rescued worker was reported to be in serious condition but conscious when emergency crews finally reached him.

Dramatic Rescue Operation Amid Repeated Collapses

The rescue effort, described by Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli as "exemplary," proved challenging as debris continued to shift and fall throughout the operation. Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini explained that the prolonged rescue was necessary because "debris from additional collapses kept covering the man's body." Firefighters used a telescopic aerial ladder to carefully extract the trapped worker and lower him to a waiting ambulance. Three other workers were rescued earlier with injuries ranging from minor to serious.

Historic Tower Under Renovation

The Torre dei Conti, a 13th-century tower commissioned by Pope Innocent III, was undergoing a EU-funded renovation project scheduled for completion next year. The 29-meter (95-foot) structure stands near the Colosseum along the busy Via dei Fori Imperiali, an area crowded with tourists that was immediately cordoned off by police. The tower's height had been reduced over centuries due to earthquake damage, with the current restoration intended to preserve the historic landmark.

Investigation Launched Into Collapse

Italian authorities have opened an investigation into the causes of the collapse, which occurred while workers were conducting renovations on the long-abandoned structure. The first collapse happened around 11:30 am local time, followed by a second partial collapse approximately ninety minutes later while rescue teams were already on site. The incident highlights the challenges of preserving ancient structures in Rome, a concern shared by heritage conservation experts in Türkiye and other nations with rich historical architecture.