A worker who was pulled from the rubble of a medieval tower that partly collapsed in Rome has died, Italian media and officials reported.
The man, a Romanian national, had remained conscious during the lengthy rescue operation before being hospitalized, according to authorities.
“Resuscitation attempts were made for about an hour to save Octay Stroici,” Italian news agency ANSA said, citing the Umberto I hospital.
“Despite this, spontaneous cardiac activity could not be restored” and his “death was pronounced at 12:20 am (2320 GMT).”
Romania’s Foreign Ministry mourned its national’s death on Tuesday.
“Despite the sustained efforts of the medical teams in Rome, Octav Stroici, who had been trapped under the rubble of a historic building undergoing restoration works, has sadly passed away,” the ministry said on X, adding that another Romanian worker also trapped by the collapse was successfully evacuated and “out of danger.”
Part of a medieval tower in central Rome collapsed on Monday.
The incident at the historic Torre dei Conti occurred around midday, with a second partial collapse occurring around 90 minutes later. The 13th century tower, situated near to the Colosseum, was undergoing restoration work at the time.
Three workers who were inside the tower at the time of the collapse managed to escape, with one taken to hospital in critical condition.
Rescuers undertake complex operation
Rescuers failed to enter the collapsed structure through a first-floor window, when their attempt was scuppered by the second collapse sending plumes of smoke into the air.
A following endeavor on two ladders failed too, meaning a drone was sent to get a view of where the worker might be situated.
Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini said the operation was complex because “we also have to try to mitigate… the enormous risks faced by the people trying to carry out the rescue.”
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli both also attended the scene.
Medieval tower located in popular tourist spot
The Torre dei Conti tower is in an area that draws a large number of tourists, with the Imperial Forum also close by.
Built in the 13th century during the pontificate of Pope Innocent III, the tower which now sits 29 meters (95 feet) high was once up to 50-60 meters high.
However, a series of earthquakes in the 14th and 17th centuries damaged the upper floors of the tower, which were forced to be demolished.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
