Medieval Roman Tower Collapses, Several Injured

A dramatic partial collapse of the historic Torre dei Conti, a 13th-century medieval tower in Rome's ancient heart, sent dust clouds billowing near the Colosseum and Roman Forum on Monday morning, injuring at least four construction workers during ongoing restoration efforts. One worker remains in serious condition after being trapped under rubble, while rescuers continue to secure the site amid fears of further instability.

The incident unfolded around 11:30 a.m. local time in the Imperial Forums area, a bustling tourist hub steps from Rome's most iconic landmarks. The tower, originally built in 1238 as a fortified residence for the powerful Conti family (allied with Pope Innocent III), once stood about 60 meters tall but was severely damaged by a 1349 earthquake and partially rebuilt after a 17th-century collapse.

Standing at 29 meters today, it had been abandoned since 2006 until recent renovations funded by Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), a €6.9 million EU-backed initiative to transform it into a museum.

What HappenedThe Collapse: A section of the tower's wall gave way during scaffolding-supported restoration work, burying workers under bricks and debris. A second minor collapse occurred during rescue operations, but no additional injuries were reported.

Injuries: One worker (initially trapped) was extracted in critical condition and rushed to a hospital.

Three others suffered minor injuries (e.g., cuts, bruises) and were treated on-site without hospitalization.

No Public Impact: The surrounding street (Via dei Fori Imperiali) was already closed to pedestrians and traffic for safety during renovations, preventing tourist involvement.

Firefighters, paramedics, and Carabinieri swiftly responded, using cranes and thermal imaging to scan for trapped individuals. By midday, the site was fully cordoned off, with Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano on-scene overseeing operations.

Structural engineers are now assessing the remaining tower for risks, as the area, already fragile from centuries of seismic activity and urban decay, could see more instability.

Investigation Underway

Rome's public prosecutor's office has opened a probe into negligent bodily harm, focusing on:Possible scaffolding failures or unstable masonry exacerbated by the tower's age.

Compliance with restoration protocols under the PNRR program.

No foul play is suspected, but experts note Rome's historic center is prone to such incidents due to underground voids from ancient quarries and catacombs, an issue that's tripled in frequency since 2009, with 100+ sinkholes reported annually in recent years.

This collapse underscores Italy's challenges in preserving its UNESCO-listed heritage amid climate pressures and tourism booms. Similar scares include a 2018 road collapse swallowing cars and a 2020 sinkhole revealing 2,000-year-old pavements.

Restoration delays, often due to bureaucratic hurdles, have left many sites like Torre dei Conti vulnerable.Rescue operations continue, with the injured worker's condition stable as of late afternoon.