Tragedy in Rome: Worker dies after medieval Torre dei Conti collapses near Colosseum
A section of the 13th-century Torre dei Conti collapsed during restoration work in central Rome, killing one worker and injuring several others. The historic site, under renovation for years, is now the subject of a criminal investigation.
In the heart of Rome, just steps away from the Colosseum and Via dei Fori Imperiali, part of the Torre dei Conti — a 13th-century medieval tower built under Pope Innocent III — collapsed on November 3, 2025, while undergoing major restoration. The incident trapped several workers beneath tons of debris and sent waves of shock across Italy.
The 29-meter (95-foot) tower, closed to the public since 2007, was being restored as part of a €6.9 million project co-funded by the European Union, aimed at transforming the site into a museum space.
Collapse and chaos
The first collapse occurred around 10:30 GMT, when part of the southern buttress gave way, triggering a chain reaction that brought down sections of the base and stairwell. A second collapse took place roughly ninety minutes later, as firefighters were conducting rescue efforts.
Eyewitness Queen Paglinawan, who worked nearby, described the moment:
“I heard something falling and then saw the tower collapse diagonally,” she told the Associated Press
Tourists emerging from the Colosseum were stunned as clouds of dust filled the air and emergency sirens echoed through the ancient streets.
A race against time
Rescuers managed to pull three workers to safety, but two remained trapped. Among them was Octay Stroici, a 64-year-old Romanian worker. Nearly 140 firefighters battled through the night using cranes, drones, and aerial ladders to reach him.
Rome’s prefect Lamberto Giannini said the operation was “extremely complex,” with rescue teams facing repeated collapses. “Every time we cleared one section, more debris came down,” he explained.
Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri confirmed Stroici was conscious during much of the rescue, communicating with responders through an oxygen mask. However, after being freed around 23:00 local time, Stroici suffered cardiac arrest in the ambulance and was later pronounced dead.
National mourning and investigation
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “deep sorrow and condolences” for Stroici’s death, praising the courage of rescuers. The Rome Prosecutor’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into potential negligent disaster and negligent injury charges.
Officials confirmed that the site had passed safety checks earlier in 2025. The current phase of the project — worth around €400,000 — was nearly complete when the tragedy occurred.
A fragile monument in a timeless city
Built in 1203, the Torre dei Conti once stood twice its current height before being damaged by earthquakes and partial collapses over the centuries. Once used as municipal offices, it had remained closed for nearly two decades.
Now, instead of reopening as a museum, the site stands cordoned off as investigators work to determine how such a catastrophe could occur in the heart of modern Rome.
