Rome Tower Collapse Kills Worker During Historic Restoration

A Romanian construction worker has died after being trapped for 11 hours under the rubble of a collapsed medieval tower in Rome. The tragic incident occurred on Monday near the city’s famous Colosseum. Emergency crews worked through the night in a desperate rescue attempt.

The worker was pronounced dead early Tuesday after being pulled from the debris in cardiac arrest. This collapse highlights the inherent dangers of restoring ancient structures in the historic heart of the Italian capital.

Details of the Rome Tower Collapse

The partial collapse happened around 10:30 AM local time on Monday. A 29-meter tall structure known as the Torre dei Conti crumbled onto the street. A second, smaller collapse occurred about 90 minutes later while firefighters were on site.

According to Reuters video and social media posts, clouds of dust billowed from the windows. The sound of falling masonry filled the air. The tower was undergoing a major, EU-funded renovation project at the time.

The worker, identified as Octav Stroici, was buried under the heavy rubble. A second Romanian worker was rescued almost immediately with serious head injuries. Two other workers sustained minor injuries but refused hospital treatment.

Rescue Efforts and Historical Significance

Firefighters worked for nearly 11 hours to free the trapped man. They used aerial ladders to navigate the unstable site. The man was in cardiac arrest upon arrival at the hospital and could not be saved.

The Romanian Foreign Ministry confirmed his death in a public statement. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences to the worker’s family and colleagues. The incident has cast a pall over the ongoing restoration efforts.

The Torre dei Conti is a significant historical landmark. It was originally built in the early 13th century by Pope Innocent III for his family. The tower has been damaged by earthquakes over the centuries and was not in public use.

This fatal Rome tower collapse is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in preserving our shared ancient history. The investigation into the cause of the structural failure is now underway.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused the medieval tower to collapse?

The exact cause is under investigation. The tower was actively undergoing a multi-year restoration project when the structural failure occurred. Authorities have not yet released an official cause.

How many people were injured in the incident?

Four workers were involved. One man died, one was hospitalized with serious injuries, and two others had minor injuries. No firefighters were hurt during the rescue operation.

How old was the Torre dei Conti tower?

The tower was built in the early 1200s, making it approximately 800 years old. It was originally twice its current height but was reduced by earthquake damage over the centuries.

Was the tower open to the public?

No, the tower had been closed since 2006. It was being converted into a museum and conference space. The renovation was scheduled for completion next year.

Where is the tower located?

The Torre dei Conti is located on the Via dei Fori Imperiali. This is a major avenue that connects Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum in the heart of Rome’s historic center.