A medieval tower in Rome, the Torre dei Conti, partially collapsed during renovations on Monday, resulting in critical injuries for one worker and trapping another. The incident occurred near the iconic Roman Forum, attracting attention from hundreds of tourists.
Details of the Incident
The collapse happened before noon, when part of the structure gave way. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene, employing a mobile ladder to reach the upper levels. They managed to rescue the trapped worker amid a cloud of dust and debris, which subsequently began to fall again.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
- One worker critically injured
- One worker trapped, later rescued
- Three additional workers rescued unharmed
Firefighter spokesman Luca Cari confirmed that the rescue efforts faced challenges due to further collapses. As they worked, some workers observed the ongoing dangers firsthand.
Eyewitness Accounts
Queen Paglinawan, an employee at a nearby gelato shop, described hearing multiple loud noises, followed by the tower’s distinctive loss of structure. Another witness, German student Viktoria Braeu, recounted her experience approaching the site just as the rescue efforts encountered difficulties.
Historical Context of the Torre dei Conti
The Torre dei Conti was constructed in the 13th century under the auspices of Pope Innocent III as a family residence. It has a history of structural instability, having been damaged during a significant earthquake in 1349 and experiencing further collapses in the 17th century.
Authorities at the Scene
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri of Rome and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli were present during the incident. However, they did not address the media regarding the catastrophic event.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of preserving historical structures while ensuring the safety of workers involved in their maintenance. Further investigation will determine the precise causes and future actions required to prevent such occurrences.
