A section of the 13th-century Torre dei Conti in central Rome partially collapsed on Monday during renovation work, leaving one worker in critical condition and two others injured, according to Italian media.
The incident occurred shortly after midday near the Roman Forum, one of the capital’s busiest tourist areas. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crash as part of the medieval structure gave way, sending up a thick cloud of dust and debris.
Firefighters rushed to the scene, rescuing three workers who had been stranded on scaffolding. One 64-year-old man was struck by falling debris and suffered severe head injuries. He was taken to hospital in critical condition, sources said. Two other workers sustained minor injuries.
During the rescue operation, another section of the tower collapsed, prompting firefighters on a mobile ladder to retreat quickly for safety.
Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli both attended the scene as emergency crews continued to secure the site.
Torre dei Conti was under restoration
Built in the early 1200s by Pope Innocent III as a residence for the Conti family, the Torre dei Conti once stood more than 50 metres high. It was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1349 and suffered further collapses in later centuries. The structure has been under restoration to stabilise its remaining sections, which rise above the Via Cavour, between the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse and the safety conditions at the site. The area around the tower has been cordoned off as firefighters and engineers assess the risk of further structural failure.
