Medieval tower in Rome partially collapses, trapping worker
Rome: Firefighters worked to rescue a worker who was trapped for hours under the rubble of a medieval tower that partially collapsed during renovations in the heart of Italy’s capital on Monday, seriously injuring another.
Firefighters faced a complex task as the structure continued to collapse as they attempted to approach the trapped worker through a first-floor window, forcing them to retreat on telescopic aerial ladders in a cloud of smoke. Another approach with two ladders was also canceled and a drone was sent in their place.
As dusk approached, firefighters hoisted on a crane used giant tubes to suck debris from a second-story window.
Three workers were rescued unharmed after the first collapse at noon, fire department spokesman Luca Cari said. Italian media reported that another 64-year-old worker was hospitalized in critical condition, but there were no updates on his condition. No firefighters were injured during the ongoing operation.
Rome’s top law enforcement official, Mayor Lamberto Giannini, said there were “signs of life” in the trapped worker and that firefighters had managed to give him some protective cover during an earlier rescue attempt.
Giannini called the situation “very complicated” and said other equipment was also brought in.
The Torre dei Conti, a medieval tower near the Roman Forum, was engulfed by a cloud of debris following a second collapse after it partially collapsed during renovations.Credit: access point
“It’s going to be a very long operation. We have to try to save this person while reducing the huge risks facing the people trying to save him,” Giannini told reporters.
Hundreds of tourists had gathered to watch firefighters use a mobile ladder to lift the stretcher to the upper level of Torre dei Conti during the first rescue attempt. Suddenly another part of the structure partially collapsed, creating a cloud of debris and forcing firefighters to quickly descend to the ladder.
