Medieval Tower Collapses in Rome Leaves One Dead, Three Hurt

Robert Messer

dpa

(TNS)

Rome — Part of a medieval tower in central Rome collapsed on Monday, killing one person, local news reported.

The incident occurred at the historic 13th century Torre dei Conti, which is undergoing renovation. The tower is located near the Imperial Forums and the Colosseum, which are popular tourist attractions.

A construction worker was pulled out of the rubble alive over 10 hours after the partial collapse. He then went into cardiac arrest and could not be revived when he reached the hospital, Italian media, including news agency ANSA, reported.

Three other workers were also initially trapped on the upper level of the structure but were rescued and only sustained minor injuries, ANSA reported.

"The construction worker who was trapped under the rubble for hours after the collapse of the Torre dei Conti did not make it, despite the extraordinary efforts of first responders," ANSA cited Lazio Governor Francesco Rocca as saying.

"You cannot and must not die at work," he continued.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by a cloud of dust in the narrow streets around the area. Immediately after the partial collapse, the fire brigade and police cordoned off the entire area to pedestrians and cars to allow for emergency services to carry out their work.

While the fire brigade was still working, another part of the tower collapsed, causing a cloud of dust. Firefighters on a turntable ladder were able to descend in time and get to safety, according to reports.

Historic tower built in the 13th century

The Torre dei Conti was built in the 13th century during the pontificate of Pope Innocent III. The tower, which is now 29 metres high, was once about 50 to 60 metres high. However, the upper floors were damaged by a series of earthquakes in the 14th and 17th centuries and later demolished. The building has been uninhabitable and abandoned for some time.

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One worker was taken to hospital with serious injuries, and another was trapped under rubble following the partial collapse of a medieval tower near the Colosseum in central Rome. Regional President Francesco Rocca said the worker in hospital was not in a life-threatening condition, while two more workers suffered minor injuries at the Torre dei Conti on Monday. "We are trying to get him out alive, but the situation is complex because of the risk of further collapses," national fire department spokesman Luca Cari said about ongoing rescue efforts. The 29-metre (95 ft) Torre dei Conti stands near one of the Eternal City's tourist hotspots, halfway along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the broad avenue that leads from central Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum. It suffered at least two collapses, according to videos posted online. On both occasions, clouds of dust came billowing out of the windows, along with the sound of collapsing masonry. Watch more on Independent TV: https://tinyurl.com/yc7ukx9n The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent Find us on social: TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@independent Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/the.independent/ X (Twitter) / https://twitter.com/Independent Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/TheIndependentOnline Download the iOS & Android app: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ts5dh Sign up to our newsletters: https://tinyurl.com/2bmw565x Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust: https://www.independent.co.uk/donations