Tragedy struck in the heart of Rome today as a part of the ancient Torre dei Conti, a medieval tower situated near the iconic Roman Forum, suddenly gave way. The collapse, which happened shortly after 11:30 AM local time, has trapped one worker inside and critically injured another. Rescue teams are currently on-site, working to free the trapped individual.
The Torre dei Conti, a historical landmark dating back to the 13th century, has been closed to the public for years and was undergoing essential conservation work when the incident occurred. Lamberto Giannini, the Rome Prefect, described the situation as “very complex” for the firefighters, emphasizing that the trapped worker is conscious and in communication with rescuers.
While rescue operations were in full swing, a second partial collapse of the 29-meter (90ft) tower sent bricks tumbling down, creating a dense cloud of dust. Fortunately, the firefighters were unharmed during this secondary event. They had previously taken measures to protect the trapped worker, and the operation is expected to be lengthy due to the delicate nature of the rescue and the risks involved.
Authorities have assured that there is no immediate danger of the entire tower disintegrating. The streets surrounding the historic site have been cordoned off as a precautionary measure. Both the Mayor of Rome and the country’s Culture Minister have visited the scene to oversee the rescue efforts, which are also being aided by a crane and drone.
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