Partial collapse at medieval Torre dei Conti during restoration
The Torre dei Conti, a 13th-century tower adjacent to Rome's Colosseum, partially collapsed on Monday while restoration work was underway, injuring three workers and briefly trapping another after a secondary collapse, Italian and international news agencies reported.
According to ANSA, a 64-year-old worker sustained serious head injuries after being struck by falling debris and is in critical condition. Two colleagues suffered minor injuries. All three were on scaffolding and were rescued by firefighters using a ladder truck.
Initial reports indicate the first collapse occurred at about 11:30 a.m. CEST. While firefighters were conducting rescue operations at roughly 1:00 p.m., an internal section of the tower gave way again, leaving one worker trapped on an upper level, The Guardian reported.
Officials on site: Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli visited the scene, according to The Guardian.
The tower has been closed to the public since 2006, The New York Times noted. The Torre dei Conti is roughly 95 feet tall and dates to the 13th century; it was built by Pope Innocent III for his family. Historically it stood about twice its current height, but earthquakes over the centuries damaged and removed its upper sections. The restoration project — interrupted by Monday's collapse — had been expected to conclude with a reopening in 2026 after four years of work.
The tower sits in a heavily touristed area near Rome's ancient sites, including the Colosseum, prompting rapid emergency response. Local authorities said investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway and that the site will remain secured while assessments continue.
Sources: ANSA, The Guardian, The New York Times.
