Rome: Worker dies after collapse of medieval tower reports DW 11/03/2025

"A worker who was pulled from the rubble of a medieval tower that partly collapsed in Rome has died, Italian media reported citing hospital sources. The man, a Romanian national, had remained conscious during the lengthy rescue operation before being hospitalized, according to authorities. "Resuscitation attempts were made for about an hour to save Octay Stroici," Italian news agency ANSA said, citing the Umberto I hospital."

"Part of a medieval tower in central Rome collapsed on Monday. The incident at the historic Torre dei Conti occurred around midday, with a second partial collapse occurring around 90 minutes later. The 13th century tower, situated near to the Colosseum, which was undergoing restoration work at the time. Three workers who were inside the tower at the time of the collapse managed to escape, with one taken to hospital in critical condition."

"Rescuers failed to enter the collapsed structure through a first-floor window, when their attempt was scuppered by the second collapse sending plumes of smoke into the air. A following endeavor on two ladders failed too, meaning a drone was sent to get a view of where the worker might be situated. Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini said the operation was complex because "we also have to try to mitigate... the enormous risks faced by the people trying to carry out the rescue.""

Part of the 13th century Torre dei Conti in central Rome partially collapsed around midday, with a second partial collapse about 90 minutes later during restoration work near the Colosseum. Three workers inside the tower at the time escaped, while a Romanian worker pulled from the rubble remained conscious during a lengthy rescue before being hospitalized. Resuscitation attempts lasting about an hour failed to restore spontaneous cardiac activity and death was pronounced late at night. Firefighters continued complex rescue operations to reach a trapped worker, employing ladders and a drone after initial access attempts were scuppered by the second collapse. City officials attended the scene.

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