A partial collapse of the historic Torre dei Conti has raised fears of buried victims following a catastrophic event in the heart of Rome. The incident took place at approximately 11:30 AM, triggering a significant response from emergency services.
Details of the Incident
During restoration work funded by national funds, a section of the tower suddenly crumbled. Firefighters were dispatched to Largo Corrado Ricci with three operational teams, two aerial platforms, and specialized units to rescue a worker trapped beneath the debris. Just over an hour later, at around 12:50 PM, a second collapse occurred, causing further dust clouds and prompting a retreat from the scene to safeguard the responders.
Rescue Operations
- Four workers have been rescued by firefighters.
- A 66-year-old worker remains trapped but is reportedly responsive to rescuers.
- Rescue operations resumed around 1:30 PM after a temporary halt due to the second collapse.
- Search dogs have been deployed to assist in locating the missing worker.
Emergency services evacuated three workers from the top of the tower safely using an aerial platform. The most severely injured is a 64-year-old man, who was transported to San Giovanni Hospital in critical condition due to a head trauma. Fortunately, other injured workers are reported to be stable.
Investigation Launched
The incident has prompted a legal investigation by the prosecutor’s office, focusing on potential negligence. The inquiry is led by deputy prosecutor Mario Dovinola and assistant Antonino Di Maio. The authorities are seeking to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse and the condition of the site following renovation work that began after years of neglect.
- The tower was originally commissioned in 1216 by Pope Innocent III.
- Emergency responders ensured the safety of the area by blocking pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
- The local mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, and senior officials were present on the scene to oversee the response efforts.
Ongoing investigations may expand to include comprehensive assessments of the restoration work conducted on the Torre dei Conti. Further updates on the situation are expected as authorities continue their efforts in search and recovery.
