Rome's Tower of Conti Partially Collapses, Worker Dies

A part of the Torre dei Conti, a medieval tower in the center of Rome, partially collapsed during renovation work on Monday leaving one worker critically injured and another trapped under the rubble. The incident occurred near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, causing the surrounding streets to be closed. The trapped worker, a Romanian, later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

Historical Monument under Renovation

The Torre dei Conti, a 13th-century structure not in use since 2006, was undergoing a four-year renovation project, expected to conclude next year. The €6.9 million restoration project was the second most financially significant under the Caput Mundi program.

The Collapse and Rescue Efforts

The first collapse occurred around 11.30 am, injuring a 64-year-old worker who was later taken to the San Giovanni hospital in a critical condition, according to the ANSA news agency. Lazio’s regional president, Francesco Rocca, confirmed that his injuries were severe but not life-threatening. A second collapse during the rescue operations left a worker trapped under the rubble and hit a fire department team.

Rescue teams faced a challenging situation, with the risk of further collapses making the rescue operation complex. The trapped worker was finally reached through a first-floor window, but the unstable structure forced the rescue team to retreat.

Tragic Outcome

Despite the intensive rescue efforts, the trapped worker later died in the hospital due to his critical condition. ANSA reported that an investigation has been opened for disaster and deliberate damage following the incident.

The monument's collapse was captured in dramatic footage showing the structure, over 20 meters tall, falling apart in front of several people. One of the survivors, an employee of one of the two construction companies involved in the site, described the incident as a massive cloud and debris. It was a hell.

Future Plans

After the tragic incident, La Repubblica reported that a new €7 million project funded by the Pnrr is in the works. The project includes the recovery of the fallen tower and the establishment of a new museum, with completion expected in June 2026.

This tragic incident underscores the risks involved in the restoration of ancient structures and the importance of ensuring worker safety during such operations. The loss of life during the restoration of a historic monument is a harsh reminder of the delicate balance between preserving heritage and ensuring the safety of those tasked with its preservation.