On March 11, 2025, a section of the medieval Torre dei Conti collapsed near the Colosseum in Rome during renovation efforts. This incident occurred around 11:30 AM, while the structure was undergoing restoration as part of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Firefighters were called to the scene, where they successfully rescued four workers, although one individual remained trapped under the debris.
Emergency Response
The Rome Fire Brigade quickly deployed three operational teams, including two ladder trucks and specialist units, to manage the crisis. Three workers who were trapped at the top of the tower were evacuated through a door using the ladder trucks. A fourth worker was also extracted from the site.
Initial reports suggested that one worker was still beneath the rubble, prompting ongoing rescue operations. As these efforts continued, Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and local police closed off pedestrian and vehicular access along Via dei Fori Imperiali to allow for emergency response.
Details of the Collapse
The Torre dei Conti, constructed in 1238 by Pope Innocent III, had been uninhabited for many years prior to the current renovation project. The collapse took place in a historically significant area, close to the Imperial Forums, which attracts numerous visitors each year.
Shortly after the first collapse, a second incident occurred at 12:50 PM, causing further concerns. This subsequent collapse demolished an external buttress, built in the 1930s to reinforce the structure. Internal floors also gave way, resulting in a cloud of dust and the temporary suspension of rescue operations.
Injuries and Medical Response
- The most critically injured worker, aged 64, was taken to San Giovanni Hospital with a head injury.
- Two other workers sustained minor injuries but declined hospitalization.
- Lazio Governor Francesco Rocca confirmed that the trapped individual was receiving medical care, assuring that no one was in life-threatening condition.
Investigation Launched
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the collapse, focusing on potential negligence. The prosecutor’s office has assigned Deputy Prosecutors Mario Dovinola and Antonino Di Maio to handle the case. They are seeking expert assessments regarding the status of the construction work and the contract awarding process.
This incident raises questions about the safety of renovation activities at historical sites and highlights the importance of rigorous oversight in such projects.
