Tragic Rescue Attempt After Tower Collapse in Rome

ROME (AP) — Firefighters late Monday successfully extracted a worker from the rubble of a partially collapsed medieval tower during renovation work in central Rome. Unfortunately, the man did not survive the trauma and died shortly after rescue.

Octay Stroici, the worker killed in the collapse of the Torre dei Conti, was identified by Italian officials. “I express deep sorrow and condolences on behalf of myself and the government for this tragic loss,” said a spokesperson. “We stand with his family and colleagues during this time of great suffering.” Images showed rescuers lifting Stroici onto a stretcher and transporting him to an ambulance, where he was reported to be conscious. However, the chief commander of Rome’s firefighters later confirmed his condition was serious.

The rescue operation was complicated as firefighters tried to reach the trapped worker through a first-floor window. They had to retreat due to falling debris, and a drone was deployed to assist. As dusk fell, firefighters used a crane with giant tubes to remove rubble from the second-floor window.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri stated that the workers were very cautious during the delicate extraction operation, which took several hours because every time part of the body was freed, new rubble fell around it. Three other workers had been rescued without injury during the incident, but a 64-year-old worker was hospitalized in critical condition with a broken nose.

The Torre dei Conti was built in the 13th century and has a history of structural issues. It collapsed during renovation, which included a 6.9 million euro project funded primarily to ensure stability after past earthquakes. The tower had been closed to the public since 2007, undergoing repairs that were nearly complete.

Curious spectators gathered as firefighters worked to save the trapped man when another section of the tower collapsed, prompting concern from cultural officials about the building’s structural integrity. Local student Viktoria Braeu watched in disbelief as the second collapse occurred, just hours after the first.

As rescue efforts continued, Italian prosecutors arrived to investigate potential negligence related to the incident, a typical procedure in emergencies like this.

In a statement, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her hopes for those impacted by the collapse and acknowledged the dedication of first responders involved in the rescue.