A Romanian construction worker has died after being rescued from the rubble of a partially collapsed medieval tower in central Rome. The man, who had remained conscious during his rescue, later succumbed to his injuries in hospital despite doctors’ efforts to save him.
Highlights:
- A section of the Torre dei Conti in Rome collapsed during renovation.
- The victim, Octay Stroici, was rescued but died hours later.
- Three other workers were evacuated, one in critical condition.
- Authorities continue investigating the cause of the collapse.
Main Story:
Fatal Collapse in Central Rome
Tragedy struck in Rome after part of the Torre dei Conti, a medieval tower near the city’s Colosseum, crumbled during restoration work on Monday afternoon. The collapse sent debris spilling into nearby streets, engulfing the area in a thick cloud of dust.
Worker Dies After Rescue
Among those trapped was Octay Stroici, a Romanian national who had been helping to renovate the tower. He remained conscious throughout a tense rescue operation that lasted several hours. However, according to reports from the Umberto I Hospital, resuscitation efforts failed after an hour, and his death was confirmed at 12:20 a.m.
Others Injured
Three other workers were evacuated from the construction site, one of them in critical condition, according to Italy’s fire service. Authorities have since sealed off the area as engineers assess the stability of the remaining structure.
Investigation Underway
Officials are now investigating the cause of the collapse, which occurred just before midday. The Torre dei Conti, built in 1238, is one of Rome’s oldest and most iconic towers, and restoration work had been ongoing to preserve its structure.
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As Rome mourns the loss of a worker who helped preserve its ancient history, questions linger about safety standards at restoration sites and the delicate balance between protecting the past and safeguarding those shaping its future.
