Rescue efforts were in full swing Monday after part of the historic Torre dei Conti, a medieval tower under renovation in central Rome, collapsed, injuring at least one person and leaving another trapped beneath the rubble.
The incident occurred around noon local time, sending shockwaves through the heart of the Italian capital just steps from the iconic Colosseum. Authorities confirmed that several workers were on site when sections of the ancient structure gave way.
“We are trying to get him out alive, but the situation is complex because of the risk of further collapses,” Luca Cari, spokesperson for Rome’s fire department.
According to Regional President Francesco Rocca, one worker was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while two others sustained minor injuries but declined hospital treatment. Emergency services, including firefighters and medical personnel, have been working tirelessly at the scene, where rescue teams continue to search through debris and stabilize the structure.
“Our deepest sympathy to the seriously injured worker and to the other workers involved in the collapse,” Rocca wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “A thank you to the firefighters and to the healthcare operators.”
Video footage circulating online and released by Reuters captured the dramatic moment when the tower partially gave way, sending plumes of gray smoke and dust billowing into the Roman skyline.
The Torre dei Conti, a towering medieval structure, has stood for over eight centuries. It was erected in the early 13th century by Pope Innocent III for his noble family, the Conti di Segni. Originally twice its current height, the tower was reduced in size following a series of devastating earthquakes in the 14th and 17th centuries that weakened its foundation.
Situated in one of Rome’s most historic districts near Via dei Fori Imperiali, the tower has long been regarded as one of the city’s most imposing examples of medieval architecture. Restoration work had been underway to preserve its aging stone and stabilize its structure before Monday’s collapse.
Videos posted online show that the tower appeared to collapse twice during the day. The first incident sent large clouds of dust through the air, while a second collapse occurred later as firefighters used aerial ladders in an effort to reach the trapped worker.
Authorities have cordoned off the surrounding area, fearing further structural instability. Engineers and preservation experts are assessing the extent of the damage and determining whether the remaining structure poses additional risks.
Local officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Preliminary assessments suggest the failure may have been linked to ongoing renovation work, but authorities have not ruled out the possibility of structural weaknesses in the centuries-old building.
The collapse of Torre dei Conti, a symbol of medieval Rome, has reignited concerns about the maintenance and preservation of the city’s historic landmarks. Restoration projects across Italy often face challenges balancing modernization efforts with safeguarding fragile ancient structures.
As firefighters continue their rescue efforts amid fears of further collapses, Rome watches anxiously hoping for the safe recovery of the worker still trapped beneath one of the city’s most storied landmarks.