Partial Collapse of Rome’s Medieval Torre dei Conti Kills Worker Amid Renovation Efforts

The Torre dei Conti, a 13th-century medieval tower in central Rome, partially collapsed during restoration work, resulting in one worker's death and critical injuries to others. The collapse occurred in two stages, complicating rescue efforts as firefighters worked to save a Romanian worker trapped under rubble for hours. The tower, closed since 2007 and undergoing significant conservation to preserve its historical structure, became unstable, causing debris to fall and rescue attempts to be repeatedly aborted. Italian officials, including Premier Giorgia Meloni and Rome's Prefect Lamberto Giannini, expressed sorrow and emphasized the complexity and risks of the ongoing rescue operation. Multiple workers were affected, with one hospitalized in critical condition and others sustaining minor injuries. The incident highlights the dangers involved in restoring ancient structures and the challenges emergency responders face in such precarious situations.