A medieval tower in the heart of Rome has partially collapsed, triggering an urgent rescue operation. The incident, which occurred just after 11:30 local time, has left one worker trapped and another critically injured. The Torre dei Conti, located on the edge of the renowned Roman Forum and near the iconic Colosseum, is a 29-meter-high structure that has been closed to the public for many years. It was under conservation work when the collapse occurred.
The situation is complex for firefighters, as they must carefully navigate the risks to rescue the trapped man while also mitigating the dangers posed by the unstable tower. Lamberto Giannini, Rome Prefect, assured that the firefighters are unharmed and that they have taken necessary precautions to protect the trapped worker. A second section of the tower began crumbling again, with bricks raining down, creating a huge cloud of dust, but firefighters paused their rescue work to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The injured worker was taken to the hospital in a critical condition, while the trapped man is conscious and communicating with rescue workers. Ottaviano, another worker who was inside at the time of the collapse but escaped uninjured, expressed his relief, stating, 'It was not safe. I just want to go home.' The mayor of Rome and the country's culture minister have visited the scene, and a crane and drone are being used to assist with the rescue operation.
The 13th-century tower, built by Pope Innocent III as a residence for his brother, is part of the Roman Forum, a major tourist attraction in the city. However, it is separated from the main visitors' area by a road, and the streets around it have been taped off by police as a precaution. Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, a police chief has assured that there is no imminent danger of the tower disintegrating.
