Rescue Efforts Continue After Medieval Tower Collapse in Rome
A dramatic scene unfolded in the heart of Rome as part of the ancient Torre dei Conti , a medieval tower near the Roman Forum and just steps away from the Colosseum, partially collapsed during restoration work. The incident occurred late Tuesday morning, around 11:30 local time, shaking one of the city’s most historic districts.
Reports say that several construction workers were caught in the collapse, with one man still trapped beneath the rubble . The trapped worker, believed to be a Romanian national in his 60s, has been in contact with rescuers since the incident. Three other workers were pulled from the debris — one of them in critical condition, while another, also Romanian, suffered only minor injuries.
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Firefighters and rescue teams have been working relentlessly through the day and night, carefully navigating the fragile remains of the 13th-century structure. The operation has been described as “ extremely complex and dangerous ,” given that the tower continues to crumble in sections. At one point, rescue efforts had to be paused when another portion of the 29-meter-tall tower gave way, sending bricks and dust cascading through the air. Fortunately, firefighters had already placed protective barriers around the trapped worker, which shielded him from further harm during the second collapse.
Rome’s prefect, Lamberto Giannini , said that rescuers are proceeding cautiously to balance the urgency of saving the man with the need to ensure the safety of the teams on-site. “It will be a very long operation,” he explained, adding that every step must be calculated to avoid further destabilizing the structure.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her concern and sympathy, writing on X that her “thoughts and deepest sympathies” go out to the man fighting for his life and his family.
The Torre dei Conti , which dates back to the early 1200s, was originally built by Pope Innocent III as a residence for his brother. Once one of the most imposing medieval towers in Rome, it has long been closed to the public and was undergoing conservation work to prevent deterioration.
Emergency crews have cordoned off the surrounding streets, while Rome’s mayor and the country’s culture minister have both visited the scene. A crane and drones are being used to assess the structure’s stability from above.
One worker, identified only as Ottaviano , who managed to escape unharmed through a balcony, described the terrifying moment: “It was not safe. I just want to go home,” he told reporters.
As of now, the trapped worker remains alive and communicative, and rescue teams are continuing their delicate mission — one that has captured the world’s attention and reminded everyone of how fragile Rome’s ancient treasures can be.
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