A section of Rome’s historic medieval tower, Torre dei Conti, collapsed on Monday, November 3, during renovation works, leaving one worker trapped beneath the debris, authorities have confirmed.
The incident occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. (09:30 GMT) when part of the tower’s façade suddenly gave way, sending rubble crashing onto the street and filling the surrounding area with thick white dust. The tower is located near the Imperial Forum, just a short distance from the Colosseum.
Officials reported that three workers who were inside the structure at the time were safely evacuated. One was taken to the hospital in critical condition, according to a fire department spokesperson. However, another worker remained trapped under the collapsed section, an official from the mayor’s office said.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli arrived at the scene as firefighters sealed off the area and dispersed onlookers.
An AFP reporter noted that a second partial collapse occurred about two hours later, sending up more dust as additional debris fell from the structure.
With visibility reduced, emergency crews deployed cranes to reach the upper levels and flew a drone inside to assess internal damage.
One worker, 67-year-old Ottaviano, who was inside during the first collapse, told AFP he escaped through a balcony. “It was not safe. I just want to go home,” he said, covered in dust.
The Torre dei Conti, built in the early 13th century, is one of Rome’s most important medieval landmarks. The collapse happened while EU-funded restoration works were underway.
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