Worker dies after 11-hour rescue from collapsed medieval tower in Rome
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Firefighters spent 11 hours Monday trying to rescue a worker trapped in a medieval tower that collapsed during renovations in Rome, Italy.
According to the Associated Press (AP), workers took the man, identified as Octav Stroici, from Torre dei Conti, but he died from his injuries a short time later.
Rescuers attempted to use a first-floor window near where the man was found but were later forced to retreat due to a cloud of debris and fears that the structure would collapse further.
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Both ladders were used in an unsuccessful attempt to send a drone to help.
A crane with large tubes was sent with rescuers to help clear debris from a second-story window.
A worker has died after an 11-hour rescue operation at a collapsed medieval tower in Rome. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Stoici was removed from the building using a telescopic ladder, then put into an ambulance.
“The operation took a long time because every time part of the body was released, there was additional debris covering it,” Rome Governor Lamberto Giannini said, according to the AP.
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Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri reportedly said workers were working very carefully to prevent further collapses.
Following the collapse, three workers were rescued uninjured, while another person was taken to hospital and remains in critical condition. No firefighters were injured during the rescue efforts.
Rescuers attempted to use a first-floor window but were forced to retreat due to the cloud of debris and fears that the structure could collapse further. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
More than 50 million visitors stayed overnight in Rome in 2024, according to the city’s official tourism website.
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The 13th-century tower was built by Pope Paul III. It was the residence of Innocent and his family. It has been closed since 2007.
Following the collapse, three workers were rescued uninjured, while another person was taken to hospital and remains in critical condition. No firefighters were injured during Monday’s rescue efforts. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Workers were restoring the Torre dei Conti and planning a new museum as part of a nearly $8 million renovation project.
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The tower survived the earthquake in 1349. It collapsed in the 17th century, according to the AP.
The tower survived the earthquake in 1349. It collapsed in the 17th century, according to the AP. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement: “I express my deep sorrow and condolences on behalf of myself and the government. … We are close to his family and colleagues at this time of indescribable pain.”
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The Associated Press contributed reporting.
