Part of a medieval tower in the heart of Rome's tourist district has collapsed, trapping one man and leaving another critically injured. A section of the Torre dei Conti, on the edge of the famous Roman Forum and close to the Colosseum, gave way just after 11:30 local time (10:30 GMT). Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini reported that the trapped man is conscious and able to communicate with rescue workers.
The tower, which has been closed to the public for several years, was undergoing conservation work when a section collapsed. While the rescue effort continued, another section of the 29m (90ft) high tower began crumbling again, causing bricks to rain down and creating significant dust clouds. Though firefighters paused their work briefly for safety, they resumed their efforts to locate the missing individual after positioning protective barriers around him.
The operation is expected to be lengthy, with reports indicating a critical injury to one worker. Local media highlighted the escape of another worker, 67-year-old Ottaviano, who managed to exit before the collapse and expressed concerns over the project's safety. The mayor and culture minister of Rome have visited the site, as cranes and drones assist in the rescue operations. The Torre dei Conti, built by Pope Innocent III, is an important historical site separated from main visitor areas by roadblocks imposed by the police.
The tower, which has been closed to the public for several years, was undergoing conservation work when a section collapsed. While the rescue effort continued, another section of the 29m (90ft) high tower began crumbling again, causing bricks to rain down and creating significant dust clouds. Though firefighters paused their work briefly for safety, they resumed their efforts to locate the missing individual after positioning protective barriers around him.
The operation is expected to be lengthy, with reports indicating a critical injury to one worker. Local media highlighted the escape of another worker, 67-year-old Ottaviano, who managed to exit before the collapse and expressed concerns over the project's safety. The mayor and culture minister of Rome have visited the site, as cranes and drones assist in the rescue operations. The Torre dei Conti, built by Pope Innocent III, is an important historical site separated from main visitor areas by roadblocks imposed by the police.
