A worker who was trapped after a section of a medieval tower collapsed in the heart of Rome has been successfully rescued, according to local media reports. The dramatic rescue operation unfolded late at night, with the man being pulled free at 23:00 local time (22:00 GMT) — nearly twelve hours after the incident occurred. The collapse took place at the Torre dei Conti, located on the edge of the iconic Roman Forum and in close proximity to the historic Colosseum.
The worker, identified as being from Romania, was transported to the hospital following his rescue. There were reports of another Romanian worker among the group of three who were also pulled from the rubble; one of these individuals is currently in a critical condition. The Torre dei Conti, which has been closed to the public for many years, was undergoing conservation work at the time of the collapse.
Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed hope for the well-being of the rescued worker, saying, "We hope that he will pull through." The Rome prefect, Lamberto Giannini, provided updates to reporters regarding the complexities of the rescue mission. He described the situation as "very complex," emphasizing that after the initial collapse, firefighters had erected protective barriers around the trapped man. This precaution proved crucial when a second collapse occurred, sending bricks tumbling down and creating a large cloud of dust.
Giannini noted that the rescue operation required careful planning due to the immense risks faced by the rescue teams. The Rome Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Efforts to rescue the worker, who is believed to be in his 60s, faced interruptions when another segment of the 29-meter (90-foot) high tower began to crumble again, prompting safety concerns. Fortunately, one firefighter sustained only minor injuries to the eye, while others remained unharmed and resumed their search.
In a show of compassion, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared her thoughts on social media, expressing her deepest sympathies for the individual trapped beneath the rubble and his family, stating, "I sincerely hope that this tragedy finds a positive outcome." Meanwhile, another worker, 67-year-old Ottaviano, who escaped from a balcony during the chaos, revealed to the AFP news agency, "It was not safe. I just want to go home."
The scene has drawn attention from local officials, with both Rome's mayor and the country's culture minister visiting the site. A crane and drone have been deployed to assist in the ongoing rescue operation. The 13th Century tower is part of the Roman Forum, a significant tourist attraction situated in the city center, though it is separated from the main visitor areas by a road. As a precautionary measure, police have cordoned off the surrounding streets to ensure public safety.
The medieval tower, originally built by Pope Innocent III as a residence for his brother, stands as a testament to Rome's rich history. As rescue efforts continue, the community remains hopeful for a positive resolution to this tragic incident.
