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Italy: Medieval tower collapses in Rome, Worker trapped under rubble
ROME, November 3, 2025 — A 13th-century medieval tower undergoing renovation in central Rome partially collapsed on Monday, trapping one construction worker beneath the debris, authorities reported.
Part of the façade of the Torre dei Conti, a historic tower located between the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, gave way late in the morning, sending a large cloud of dust into the air and scattering rubble across the street.
According to emergency services, three workers were rescued, one of whom is in critical condition. Firefighters said another worker remains trapped under the collapsed structure, and search operations are ongoing.
Rescue teams used drones and ladders to inspect the site and assess the tower’s remaining stability. Witnesses reported a second partial collapse about two hours after the first incident.
One of the workers, Ottaviano, 67, who managed to escape through a balcony, told AFP:
“It wasn’t safe. I just want to go home,” he said, still covered in dust.
The Torre dei Conti, built in 1238 by the noble Conti family, is one of the few remaining medieval towers in the Italian capital. The site had been under restoration as part of efforts to preserve Rome’s architectural heritage.
Local authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse, which occurred despite ongoing structural reinforcement work.