Medieval Tower in Rome Partially Collapses During Renovations, Injuring Workers

In a shocking turn of events, the Torre dei Conti, a historic medieval tower located in central Rome, experienced a partial collapse during renovation work, injuring a worker and leaving another trapped. The incident occurred shortly after 11:30 AM local time, in proximity to the famed ruins of the Roman Forum. According to reports from the Ansa news agency, debris from the initial collapse struck a 64-year-old worker, who was promptly transported to San Giovanni hospital in critical condition, though regional president Francesco Rocca assured that his injuries were not life-threatening. As hundreds of tourists and bystanders looked on in shock, firefighters undertook a rescue operation, saving three workers from scaffolding set up on the 29-meter-high tower. However, around 1 PM, another internal section of the tower collapsed, complicating the situation further and trapping one additional worker on an upper floor. Witnesses recounted hearing a loud bang followed by clouds of dust filling the air. One observer told Corriere della Sera, "I saw a worker fall," illustrating the chaotic atmosphere that ensued following the collapse. In response to the safety concerns, the area surrounding the Forum and Piazza Venezia has been cordoned off, further affecting the flow of tourists and traffic in one of Rome's busiest locales. City officials were quick to respond, with Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italy's culture minister Alessandro Giuli present at the scene, overseeing emergency efforts. The Torre dei Conti has a storied history, having been constructed in 1238 by Richard Conti, the brother of Pope Innocent III, originally serving as a fortified residence for his family. Over the centuries, the tower has suffered damages due to natural disasters, including a significant earthquake in 1349 and subsequent collapses in the 17th century. The current renovation works are reportedly being funded by the European Union's post-pandemic recovery fund, aimed at revitalizing historical sites across Europe. However, this recent incident raises concerns about the condition and safety practices in place during such restoration projects. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3 • Source 4