Post by : Rameen Ariff

Rome — A section of the 13th-century Torre dei Conti, close to the Roman Forum, gave way on Monday during renovation work, leaving one worker dead and several colleagues injured.

The victim has been identified as 42-year-old Romanian national Octay Stroici. He was pulled from beneath the rubble after hours and, despite being conscious during rescue efforts, died from his injuries early Tuesday at Umberto I Hospital.

Stroici was part of a restoration team carrying out repairs on the landmark under an EU-funded project that began in June 2025. The works included asbestos removal and efforts to strengthen the tower's structure.

Three other workers were recovered from the site; one remains in critical condition. Firefighters said swift response likely prevented further loss of life after a second collapse occurred about 90 minutes later.

“It felt unsafe. I just want to go home,” said one surviving worker, his clothing streaked with white dust.

The incident has heightened worries over safety on conservation sites in Rome. The Directorate of Cultural Heritage said preliminary checks had certified the site met the required safety conditions before work began.

The government also rebuked comments from Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who suggested a link between the collapse and Italy’s backing of Ukraine. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the remarks “shameful, unacceptable.”

Authorities have sealed off the area near the Colosseum while specialists inspect the tower and probe the causes of the collapse.

#Global