Part of a historic tower is on display on Monday morning in the archaeological area Kaiserforen in Rom collapsed. The “Counts’ Tower” (Turm der Grafen) The tower mentioned is currently being renovated. The collapse injured one worker while four others were trapped on the upper level. The fire department freed the injured worker from the rubble. The three trapped colleagues are rescued using a turntable ladder.
The monument continues to be inspected to ensure that there are no other people in the building, media reported. The police cordoned off the area, which is heavily frequented by tourists. Pedestrians and vehicles were also unable to get through. The rescue work and the use of emergency vehicles should be made easier.
Rome’s mayor at the scene of the accident
At the scene of the accident we met the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, there Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli as well as the management of the city’s monument authority. The tower originally served as a residence for noble families and ecclesiastical authorities. In 1203 Pope Innocent III. expand the tower for his family, the Counts of Segni. Facade panels made of travertine, which came from the Fori Imperiali, were installed.
Today the tower structure is about 29 meters high – this corresponds only to the foundation, while the original height may have exceeded 50 to 60 meters. Numerous earthquakes in the tower’s history, particularly in 1348, 1630 and 1644, reduced it to its current size.