A worker was rescued Monday from beneath the rubble of a medieval tower that partially collapsed in Rome, following a lengthy and complex operation that lasted throughout the day.
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Rome’s Prefect Lamberto Giannini said Monday evening that “the worker was transported by ambulance” after “a long rescue operation.” Mayor Roberto Gualtieri expressed hope for the worker’s recovery, saying, “We are all hoping he survives.”
The collapse occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. (09:30 GMT) at the Torre dei Conti, a medieval tower that was under restoration. Part of its façade crumbled, scattering debris into the street and sending a thick cloud of white dust into the air.
Located in a busy area near the Imperial Forum (Fori Imperiali) and within sight of the Colosseum, one of Italy’s most visited landmarks, the collapse prompted an immediate emergency response.
According to the fire department, three workers were evacuated from the site, with one hospitalized in critical condition. Another worker, identified as a Romanian national, remained trapped for several hours under the rubble. He was reported to be conscious and placed on a ventilator shortly before being rescued in the evening, according to Romania’s Foreign Ministry.
Mayor Gualtieri and Italy’s Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli were present at the scene, where firefighters cordoned off the area and dispersed onlookers.
An AFP correspondent reported a second partial collapse of the tower about two hours later, causing another large dust cloud.
Firefighters used cranes and drones to assess the damage and locate trapped individuals. One of the workers inside the tower at the time of the initial collapse said he managed to escape through a balcony.
The Torre dei Conti, built in the early 13th century, is currently undergoing restoration work funded by the European Union.
Source: AFP
