A Romanian construction worker died in Rome after being rescued from the rubble of a partially collapsed medieval tower, following a complex 12-hour operation hampered by additional structural failures. The incident occurred during restoration work on the historic Torre dei Conti, highlighting the dangers of preserving ancient buildings.
The collapse began on Monday morning at approximately 11:20 local time, when a section of the 13th-century Torre dei Conti, located near the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, gave way. Clouds of dust billowed from the structure as debris trapped several workers inside, prompting an immediate emergency response from firefighters and other authorities. The area, typically bustling with tourists, was quickly cordoned off to ensure public safety.
Rescue efforts faced significant challenges when a second partial collapse occurred about 90 minutes after the initial incident, raining bricks and forcing teams to pause their work. Firefighters used drones to assess the damage and heavy machinery to clear rubble, all while managing the risk of further disintegration. Despite these hazards, they worked tirelessly to reach the trapped worker, Octav Stroici, who was buried multiple times during the operation.
Stroici, a 66-year-old Romanian national, remained conscious and communicated with rescuers throughout the ordeal. After nearly 12 hours, he was freed at 23:00 local time but suffered a cardiac arrest in the ambulance en route to the hospital. Doctors were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His wife was present at the scene, adding to the emotional weight of the tragedy.
In addition to Stroici, another Romanian worker was rescued with serious head injuries and hospitalized, while two others sustained minor wounds and declined treatment. All were part of a team conducting conservation work on the tower, which had been empty for years. The project aimed to secure the structure using funds from the EU’s post-pandemic recovery fund, intended to enhance safety and preserve cultural heritage.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep sorrow and condolences, emphasizing the government’s support for Stroici’s family and colleagues. Rome’s mayor and the culture minister visited the site, and the Rome Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into the collapse. Authorities noted that one firefighter was treated for an eye problem, but no other rescuers were harmed during the high-risk operation.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with loud bangs and dense dust clouds startling residents and tourists. One worker, Ottaviano, 67, who escaped unharmed from a balcony, remarked, “It was not safe. I just want to go home.” Others reported feelings akin to an earthquake, underscoring the shock of such an event in central Rome. The incident has drawn attention to the broader risks associated with restoring aged monuments in densely populated areas.
The Torre dei Conti, built in the 13th century by Richard Conti, brother of Pope Innocent III, has a history of structural issues, including damage from a 1349 earthquake and collapses in the 17th century. This tragedy raises urgent questions about safety protocols and oversight in renovation projects involving historical sites. As investigations proceed, the focus will be on preventing similar incidents and ensuring worker protection in future endeavors.