Rescue Operation Saves Worker After Partial Collapse of Rome's 13th-Century Torre dei Conti

A partial collapse of the 13th-century Torre dei Conti in central Rome during renovation work trapped a worker under the rubble, prompting a complex and prolonged rescue operation. The worker, a Romanian national, was conscious and communicating with rescuers, who provided oxygen and protective cover amid multiple secondary collapses. Three other workers were rescued earlier, with one critically injured and hospitalized. Firefighters employed cranes, drones, and specialized equipment to safely extract the trapped man after about 11 hours, with no injuries reported among the rescue personnel. The tower, located near the Colosseum and Imperial Forums, has been undergoing EU-funded restoration since June 2025, including asbestos removal. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation as authorities continue assessing the damage and safety measures.