Rescue Operation Underway Following Collapse of Medieval Tower in Rome

Tue Nov 04 2025 05:08:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A section of the historical Torre dei Conti in Rome has collapsed, trapping a man and injuring another worker. Emergency services are currently engaged in a complex rescue operation amidst concerns of further collapses.

Part of the medieval Torre dei Conti in Rome has partially collapsed, trapping one individual and leaving another critically injured. Firefighters are working meticulously to rescue the trapped man while managing the risk of additional collapses. Local authorities report that emergency services are using cranes and drones to aid the rescue efforts.

A section of a medieval tower in the heart of Rome's tourist district has collapsed, trapping one man and leaving another critically injured.

A section of the Torre dei Conti, located on the edge of the famous Roman Forum and close to the Colosseum, gave way just after 11:30 local time (10:30 GMT).

It's a very complex situation for the firefighters because there is a person trapped inside, Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini stated. The trapped man is reportedly conscious and communicating with rescue workers.

The tower had been closed to the public for many years and was undergoing conservation work when the incident occurred.

Rescue efforts faced additional challenges as a second section of the 29m (90ft) high tower began to crumble, sending bricks flying and creating a large cloud of dust.

Although firefighters were unharmed, they temporarily paused their efforts before resuming the search for the missing man. Following the initial collapse, firefighters erected protective measures around the trapped individual to safeguard him during subsequent falls.

It will be a very long operation because we have to try to save the person, but we also have to mitigate the enormous risks faced by the people trying to carry out the rescue, Giannini added. A police chief assured that there is currently no imminent danger of the tower disintegrating further.

Local reports indicate one worker was taken to the hospital in critical condition, while another, 67-year-old Ottaviano, had narrowly escaped from a balcony and shared, It was not safe. I just want to go home.

Rome's mayor and the country's culture minister have visited the scene, where rescue operations are being aided by cranes and drones.

The 13th-century tower, originally built by Pope Innocent III as a residence for his brother, is an integral part of the Roman Forum, a major tourist attraction in the city. Police secured the surrounding streets as a precaution.