On Monday, November 3, a section of the historic Torre dei Conti in central Rome unexpectedly gave way during renovation efforts, resulting in one worker being trapped beneath the debris, according to official reports.
The collapse occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. local time (09:30 GMT), when part of the tower’s façade crumbled, sending a cascade of rubble onto the street below and enveloping the vicinity in a dense cloud of dust. This medieval monument, dating back to the early 1200s, stands close to the Imperial Forum and is just a short walk from the iconic Colosseum, a top tourist destination in Italy.
Emergency responders confirmed that three workers inside the tower at the time were evacuated safely, with one individual rushed to hospital in serious condition, as stated by a fire department representative to AFP. However, another worker remained trapped under the fallen masonry, a source from the mayor’s office revealed.
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, alongside Italy’s Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, arrived promptly at the scene as firefighters secured the perimeter and managed the crowd that had gathered nearby.
Approximately two hours after the initial incident, a second partial collapse occurred, witnessed by an AFP journalist, which again released significant dust clouds and additional debris from the ancient structure.
Due to limited visibility caused by the dust, rescue teams utilized cranes to access the tower’s upper levels, while a drone was deployed inside to evaluate the extent of internal damage.
One of the workers, Ottaviano, aged 67, who was present during the first collapse, recounted his narrow escape from a balcony. Covered in dust, he expressed his distress, stating, “It was unsafe. I just want to get home.”
The Torre dei Conti, a prominent medieval landmark in Rome, has been undergoing restoration funded by the European Union. This incident highlights the challenges of preserving centuries-old structures while ensuring the safety of workers involved in their upkeep.
Recent data from Italy’s cultural heritage authorities indicate that over 30% of the country’s historic buildings require urgent maintenance, underscoring the importance of careful restoration practices to prevent similar accidents.
