Rome's medieval Tower of Counts Collapses, Leaving Worker Trapped
A dramatic scene unfolded in central Rome yesterday as a section of the 13th-century Torre dei Conti partially collapsed twice during renovations. The tower, built by Richard Conti, brother of Pope Innocent III, had been undergoing restoration works, financed by European Union post-pandemic recovery funds.
The collapse occurred just after 11:30 am local time, sending debris flying towards a 64-year-old worker who was on an upper floor. He suffered critical injuries but is reportedly in stable condition, according to Lazio regional president Francesco Rocca. Two other workers were rescued from scaffolding, while a third person escaped by fleeing from a balcony during the initial collapse.
Firefighters scrambled to respond to the crisis, with one official describing the situation as "complex" due to the risk of further collapses. A drone was deployed to assess the site, allowing firefighters to plan their rescue efforts. Witnesses described hearing a loud bang and seeing clouds of dust as the tower collapsed in a diagonal direction.
"It was not safe," said 67-year-old Ottaviano, who escaped from the scene by fleeing his balcony during the first collapse. "I just want to go home."
The second collapse occurred at around 1 pm, leaving one worker trapped on an upper floor. Firefighters are working tirelessly to rescue the injured worker, but their efforts have been hampered by the risk of further collapses.
"It's a very delicate situation," said Luca Cari, national fire department spokesperson. "We're doing everything possible to get him out alive."
The collapse has sent shockwaves through Rome's historic center, which is normally crowded with tourists and traffic. The area around the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia has been cordoned off as a precaution.
Experts say the Torre dei Conti has a history of collapses due to its age and structure. It was damaged in an earthquake in 1349 and suffered further damage in the 17th century.
A dramatic scene unfolded in central Rome yesterday as a section of the 13th-century Torre dei Conti partially collapsed twice during renovations. The tower, built by Richard Conti, brother of Pope Innocent III, had been undergoing restoration works, financed by European Union post-pandemic recovery funds.
The collapse occurred just after 11:30 am local time, sending debris flying towards a 64-year-old worker who was on an upper floor. He suffered critical injuries but is reportedly in stable condition, according to Lazio regional president Francesco Rocca. Two other workers were rescued from scaffolding, while a third person escaped by fleeing from a balcony during the initial collapse.
Firefighters scrambled to respond to the crisis, with one official describing the situation as "complex" due to the risk of further collapses. A drone was deployed to assess the site, allowing firefighters to plan their rescue efforts. Witnesses described hearing a loud bang and seeing clouds of dust as the tower collapsed in a diagonal direction.
"It was not safe," said 67-year-old Ottaviano, who escaped from the scene by fleeing his balcony during the first collapse. "I just want to go home."
The second collapse occurred at around 1 pm, leaving one worker trapped on an upper floor. Firefighters are working tirelessly to rescue the injured worker, but their efforts have been hampered by the risk of further collapses.
"It's a very delicate situation," said Luca Cari, national fire department spokesperson. "We're doing everything possible to get him out alive."
The collapse has sent shockwaves through Rome's historic center, which is normally crowded with tourists and traffic. The area around the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia has been cordoned off as a precaution.
Experts say the Torre dei Conti has a history of collapses due to its age and structure. It was damaged in an earthquake in 1349 and suffered further damage in the 17th century.
! I mean, i know ancient buildings are supposed to be fragile but still... 13th century or not, you'd think they'd have more safety measures in place 
. And the fact that it collapsed TWICE is just crazy 
. Poor guy trapped under all that rubble 
. I hope firefighters can get him out soon! 
Fingers crossed for the best outcome. How could this have happened again? Wasn't there supposed to be more monitoring and inspections? 
It's like they were playing a game of "Tower Collapse Roulette" 
. Anyway, glad it's not worse than that 
.
I'm glad that worker is stable, though - can't imagine how traumatizing that must've been for him 
. And two other workers were lucky to escape with only scaffolding injuries 
. The EU funding it was supposed to get some modern safety features in, but clearly, they didn't do the job right 
.
That balcony escape story is so sketchy too... 
. Firefighters are doing their best, but they're like, "Oh no, there's more debris falling over here!" 
. I hope they get that guy out alive ASAP 
. Rome's historic center should be closed off till this gets sorted - safety first, you know? 
i mean, thats crazy! how can they even let it collapse twice?? 
firefighters r trying their best 2 rescue him but its like a nightmare situation 
i feel 4 the workers though 
hopefully he gets out alive 
, i mean i know it's old and all but come on! a 64-year-old worker gets critical injuries and you're still trying to rescue him? 
let him out of there already! 
this tower is so old 
i know someone in rome and i'm planning on visiting next year but now i might think twice 
The EU post-pandemic funds are supposed to be for restoration works, not putting lives at risk 
I'm glad the guy who escaped is okay but the injured worker is stuck in this mess 
. It's also pretty alarming that there have been collapses before due to its age and structure 
. The city's historic center should be safe, not like they're going to get a safety inspection every hour 
... I hope the rescue goes smoothly and that person gets out alive 
. And honestly, it's crazy that it only happened now, after all these years of restoration work... what's going on? 
The fact that the EU funded the renovation to save this historical tower is actually kinda awesome 
! Of course, safety should always be the priority, but at least the workers were rescued after 2 collapses 
