A construction worker was successfully saved after being trapped for several hours under debris from an ancient tower in Rome today. The incident occurred while the man was involved in renovation work on the Torre dei Conti, located near the Colosseum, causing a partial collapse that left him stuck. Video footage showed three rescuers carefully extracting him using a telescopic aerial ladder before transferring him on a stretcher to an ambulance. Although his condition was not immediately disclosed, Rome’s chief firefighter commander, Adriano De Acutis, confirmed that he was conscious.
According to Lamberto Giannini, Rome’s prefect, due to the severe circumstances, the worker was promptly taken to the hospital for evaluation after the prolonged rescue operation. The process was challenging as every time a portion of his body was freed, additional rubble obscured it.
Initially, rescue attempts were made through a first-floor window, but had to be aborted when another section of the building collapsed, creating a cloud of debris. Subsequent efforts with ladders were also unsuccessful, leading to the deployment of a drone. Firefighters were eventually hoisted by a crane to extract rubble through the second-floor window, working tirelessly late into the night.
The structural damage primarily affected the central buttress of the tower’s southern side, along with the stairwell and roof, as stated by cultural heritage authorities. Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri mentioned that the operation was extremely delicate, emphasizing the need for caution to prevent further collapses.
Aside from the trapped worker, three other individuals were rescued unharmed following the initial incident, while a 64-year-old worker was hospitalized in critical condition with a broken nose. Fortunately, no firefighters sustained injuries during the rescue mission.
The Torre dei Conti, closed since 2007, dates back to the 13th century when it was constructed as a residence for Pope Innocent III’s family. Despite damage from historical earthquakes and collapses, the tower is currently undergoing a £6 million restoration project, involving various upgrades and a new museum installation showcasing the Roman Imperial Forum’s latest phases.
Prior to commencing the recent restoration phase, thorough structural assessments and safety tests were conducted to ensure the building’s stability, including asbestos removal. The ongoing work, which costs around £350,000, was near completion before the incident.
Italian authorities, including prosecutors, were present at the site during the rescue operation to investigate potential charges related to negligence in disaster management and injuries, as reported by local media. Witnesses, including 18-year-old German student Viktoria Braeu, who had just visited the Colosseum, described the dramatic scene of the initial rescue attempt by firefighters.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her optimism for the worker’s rescue, extending sympathies to him and his family during this challenging time. Meloni acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement, firefighters, and rescue teams for their courageous and dedicated intervention in the complex situation.
