On Monday, a medieval tower in central Rome that was under renovation partially collapsed, trapping a worker alive under the rubble, according to authorities.
 |
| Source: Video Screenshot |
The Torre dei Conti partially collapsed just after 11:30 a.m. (10:30 a.m. GMT), sending rubble into the street and a thick white cloud of dust into the air.
"It's a very complex situation for the firefighters because there is a person trapped inside," Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini told reporters.
"There are signs — we don't know his condition — but there are signs that he is still alive," he said.
The tower is in a busy area just off the Imperial Forum and close to the Colosseum, Italy’s top tourist site.
Three workers inside the tower were evacuated, one of whom was taken to the hospital in critical condition, a firefighter spokesman told AFP.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli were present as firefighters cordoned off the street and moved back crowds.
About one and a half hours later, a second partial collapse of the tower sent up further billowing clouds of dust.
After the first collapse, firefighters managed to “put up some protection” around the trapped man. When the second collapse occurred, “they obviously shielded him,” said Giannini.
With dust still in the air, firefighters used cranes to reach the tower's windows. Meanwhile, a drone entered through another window for an inspection.
An AFP journalist witnessed the arrival of specialized search-and-rescue firefighter units.
One worker who was inside at the time of the first collapse told AFP that he escaped from a balcony.
"It was not safe. I just want to go home," said the man, whose uniform was covered in white dust. He gave his name as Ottaviano and said he was 67 years old.
The Torre dei Conti, dating from the early 13th century, was undergoing restoration with European Union funds.
Prefect Giannini said the rescue operation would be long and difficult.
"It will be a very long operation. We have to try to save the person and mitigate the enormous risks faced by those carrying out the rescue," he said.
"We hope the outcome will be positive, but it won't be easy."
По материалам: http://www.planet-today.com/2025/11/a-medieval-tower-partially-collapsed-in.html