A section of the Torre dei Conti, a medieval tower in Rome, partially collapsed, resulting in one man becoming trapped and another critically injured. The incident occurred during conservation work on the tower, which is located near the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
Incident Details
The collapse took place just after 11:30 local time (10:30 GMT). The Torre dei Conti, which stands 29 meters (90 feet) high, had been closed to the public for several years. The man trapped inside is conscious and has been communicating with rescue workers.
Rescue Operations and Subsequent Collapse
Rescue operations commenced, with Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini noting the complexity of the situation due to the trapped individual. While rescue efforts were ongoing, a second section of the tower began to crumble, with bricks raining down and creating a large cloud of dust. Firefighters were unharmed during this event, temporarily pausing their work before resuming the search for the missing man. Following the initial collapse, firefighters had positioned protective measures around the trapped individual.
Official Statements
Lamberto Giannini indicated that the operation is anticipated to be lengthy, citing the dual objective of saving the person and mitigating the risks for rescue personnel. A police chief confirmed there is no immediate danger of the tower undergoing further disintegration.