The tower, built in 1238 by order of Pope Innocent III, is located near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum in the historic center of Rome. Restoration work was taking place when the tower partially collapsed around 11.30am on Monday.
Four workers had to be rescued, one person is still under the rubble. The person in question would be conscious. “We are trying to get him out alive, but the situation is complex due to the risk of further collapses,” said fire brigade spokesman Luca Cari.
One person was taken to hospital with injuries. Regional President Francesco Rocca told Italian news agencies that the worker’s life was not in danger, while two other workers suffered minor injuries and refused hospital treatment.
The Rome Fire Department deployed three operational teams, two ladder trucks and specialized units to the scene. Three employees trapped on top of the tower were evacuated through a door using ladder trucks, while a fourth employee was removed from the building.
The tower was abandoned for years before the current renovation project began. Authorities have not released details about the extent of the structural damage or the cause of the collapse. Most of the Torre dei Conti is still standing. Due to the restoration, the street around it was also closed to citizens.
© Afp
© Reuters
© Reuters
© Afp
© Afp
© Reuters
Bron: Corriere della Sera, Reuters