A worker was successfully rescued after being trapped beneath the debris of a historic tower in Rome following a partial collapse. The incident occurred at the Torre dei Conti, located near the Colosseum. The rescue operation was captured on local television, showing three rescuers carefully extracting the worker using an aerial ladder and then transferring him to an ambulance on a stretcher. Although the man’s condition was not immediately disclosed, Rome’s chief commander of firefighters confirmed that he was conscious.

The rescue effort was challenging as additional rubble continuously covered the freed parts of the worker’s body, prolonging the operation. Initial attempts to reach the worker through a first-floor window were thwarted by further structural collapses, prompting the deployment of a drone and eventually lifting firefighters by a crane to clear the rubble. The collapse initially impacted the central buttress of the tower’s southern side and later damaged the stairwell and roof, according to cultural heritage officials.

Rome’s Mayor highlighted the delicate nature of the operation due to the risk of further collapses, emphasizing the cautious approach taken by the rescuers. Three other workers were safely rescued following the initial collapse, while one worker, aged 64, sustained critical injuries and was hospitalized with a broken nose. Fortunately, no firefighters were harmed during the rescue mission.

The Torre dei Conti, constructed in the 13th century and currently under a restoration project worth £6 million, has a history of previous damages from earthquakes and collapses. The ongoing restoration work includes various upgrades and conservation efforts, with safety assessments confirming the stability of the structure before the recent incident. Italian authorities are investigating potential charges related to negligence in disaster management and injuries.

Italian Prime Minister expressed hope for the worker’s successful rescue, acknowledging the efforts of law enforcement, firefighters, and rescue teams involved in the challenging operation. The incident drew attention from witnesses, including a German student who described the intense moments leading to the collapse.