ROME (BN24) — A construction worker has died following the partial collapse of the Torre dei Conti, a 13th-century medieval tower in the heart of Rome, where restoration work funded by the European Union was underway.
The victim, identified as Octay Stroici, a Romanian national, was trapped beneath rubble for nearly twelve hours after a section of the historic structure gave way Monday near the Imperial Forum and Colosseum. He was rescued around 11 p.m. local time but went into cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital. Doctors were unable to revive him, hospital officials confirmed.
The collapse occurred around 11:30 a.m. local time when the façade of the ancient tower suddenly crumbled, sending a cascade of debris into the street and engulfing the area in thick dust. Three workers were on-site at the time. Two managed to escape, while Stroici was buried beneath tons of rubble.
One survivor, a 67-year-old worker identified only as Ottaviano, escaped through a balcony moments after the initial collapse. Covered in dust but uninjured, he described the harrowing experience to reporters. “It was not safe. I just want to go home,” he told AFP.
Firefighters and emergency responders launched an extensive rescue operation that lasted through the night. Using cranes, drones, and specialized rubble-clearing equipment, crews worked carefully amid fears of a further collapse. Their efforts were briefly interrupted when another portion of the 29-meter (90-foot) structure gave way, forcing them to pause before resuming the search.
Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli visited the site to oversee rescue efforts. Mayor Gualtieri called the collapse “a profound tragedy in the heart of our city” and promised a full investigation into what went wrong.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed condolences on X, writing before Stroici’s death was confirmed: “My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the person currently fighting for his life beneath the rubble, and to his family.”
Authorities later confirmed that Stroici had been conscious and speaking with rescuers during the operation, as his wife waited anxiously nearby. His death, which occurred just minutes after being freed, has sparked questions about safety standards on EU-funded heritage projects.
The Rome Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident to determine whether negligence or structural weaknesses contributed to the collapse. Another worker remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The Torre dei Conti, constructed in 1203 under Pope Innocent III as a residence for his brother, is one of the most important medieval landmarks in Rome. It stands just steps away from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, two of Italy’s most visited tourist attractions. The tower, which had long been closed to the public, was undergoing a major restoration aimed at stabilizing its structure and preserving its architectural heritage.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny over the risks of restoring ancient structures in densely populated urban centers. Preservationists have warned that centuries-old buildings often present unpredictable hazards during renovation.
Prefect Lamberto Giannini described the situation as “very complex,” praising firefighters for risking their lives during the rescue. “They shielded the worker as much as possible after the initial collapse,” he said. “The operation was extremely dangerous, but they never stopped trying.”
Emergency crews have since stabilized the remaining structure, and police have cordoned off surrounding streets to protect the public. Early assessments indicate no immediate risk of total disintegration, though engineers are continuing to monitor the site.
As investigators begin to piece together the cause of the collapse, the tragedy at Torre dei Conti stands as a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between preserving history and ensuring worker safety in one of the world’s most ancient cities.
