Medieval tower Torre dei Conti collapses during renovation in Rome

Part of Rome’s medieval Torre dei Conti partially collapsed on Monday morning during renovation work near the Colosseum, critically injuring a 64-year-old worker and trapping another under rubble for hourseuronews.
The 13th-century tower, built in 1238 by Pope Innocent III, experienced two separate collapses—the first around 11:30 AM local time and a second about 90 minutes later that forced firefighters to retreat and complicated rescue effortseuronews.
Rome Fire Brigade deployed three operational teams, two ladder trucks, and specialist units to rescue four workers, with three evacuated successfully while one remained trapped but responsive as rescuers worked through the evening using cranes and droneseuronews.
Rome prosecutors opened an investigation into negligent assault, examining the construction work and contract awarding process for the restoration project funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Planeuronews.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli attended the scene as authorities closed the busy tourist area along Via dei Fori Imperiali near the Imperial Forums and Roman Forumeuronews.

Medieval Torre dei Conti Collapses During Renovation in Rome

A dramatic rescue operation continued into the evening Monday after Rome’s 13th-century Torre dei Conti partially collapsed during renovation work, critically injuring a 64-year-old worker and trapping another under rubble for hours near the city’s iconic Colosseum.euronews

The medieval tower, built in 1238 by Pope Innocent III, experienced two separate collapses that sent clouds of debris into the air as hundreds of tourists watched firefighters work to save the trapped construction worker. The first collapse occurred around 11:30 AM local time, followed by a second structural failure about 90 minutes later as rescue operations were underway.latimes

Complex Rescue Operation Underway

Firefighters deployed three emergency teams, two ladder trucks, and specialized units to extract the workers from the 95-foot tower located near the Roman Forum. Three workers were successfully rescued from scaffolding after the initial collapse, while a fourth worker sustained critical head injuries and was transported to San Giovanni Hospital.euronews

“We are trying to get him out alive, but the situation is complex because of the risk of further collapses,” national fire department spokesman Luca Cari told Reuters about ongoing efforts to rescue the trapped worker. Rome’s top law enforcement official, Prefect Lamberto Giannini, confirmed there were “signs of life” from the trapped worker, describing the operation as “very complex”.latimes

As dusk approached, firefighters used cranes with large tubes to extract debris from second-floor windows while a drone was deployed to assess the trapped worker’s condition. The worker, identified as a Romanian national, remained alert and responsive, according to rescue officials.aol

Investigation Launched Into Safety Protocols

Rome prosecutors opened an investigation into negligent assault, with Deputy Prosecutors Mario Dovinola and Antonino Di Maio handling the case. Carabinieri and judicial police specializing in workplace accidents are examining the construction work status and contract awarding process.euronews

The tower had been undergoing restoration funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan after years of abandonment. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli were present at the scene as authorities cordoned off the busy tourist area along Via dei Fori Imperiali.sky

The Torre dei Conti, originally twice its current height, was previously damaged in a 1349 earthquake and suffered subsequent collapses in the 17th century. The structure has been closed to the public since 2006 and was part of a four-year renovation project scheduled for completion in 2026.abcnews