A part of the Torre dei Conti, a medieval construction located in the center of Rome, near the Imperial Forums, collapsed this Monday while restoration work was being carried out, forcing firefighters to rescue five workers, one of them in serious condition.
A first collapse occurred around 11:20 local time (10:20 GMT) and left five workers trapped.
One of them was seriously injured and was taken to a hospital in the capital, while three others were helped after being blocked in the scaffolding supporting the tower.
About an hour and a half later, a second collapse occurred, while firefighters worked to rescue the fifth worker, who was still trapped, although emergency teams were unharmed.
Three firefighting teams traveled to the scene, with two escalators and special units.
The Torre dei Conti, currently reduced to a third of its original height, is an example of the medieval tower houses of Rome, built as residences and fortresses of noble families and ecclesiastical authorities.
Erected on the remains of the Temple of Peace, it was expanded in 1203 by Pope Innocent III for his family, the Counts of Segni, and covered with travertine slabs from the Imperial Forums.
Originally, it reached between 50 and 60 meters in height, but was reduced by the earthquakes that affected the city between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Since 2006, the tower had not been used or maintained, which led to its interior and exterior degradation, which is why the Rome City Council and the Superintendency promoted a structural recovery and restoration project.
Specifically, according to the Consistory’s website, the work was focused on “the security and safeguarding of the tower and its underground part.”