Ask Onix
Worker dies after medieval tower collapse in central Rome
A 66-year-old conservation worker trapped beneath the rubble of Rome's 13th-century Torre dei Conti died late Monday after a nearly 12-hour rescue effort, hospital officials confirmed. Octav Stroici, a Romanian national, was freed at 23:00 local time (22:00 GMT) but suffered cardiac arrest in the ambulance. Doctors were unable to revive him.
Collapse and rescue efforts
The incident began around 11:20 when a section of the 29-meter (90-foot) medieval tower-located near the Roman Forum and Colosseum-gave way, trapping Stroici under debris. A second collapse 90 minutes later sent bricks and dust cascading down, forcing rescuers to pause operations. Firefighters shielded Stroici with protective barriers during the second collapse, according to Rome prefect Lamberto Giannini, who called the situation "very complex."
Teams used drones and specialized equipment to clear rubble while stabilizing the fragile structure. Stroici remained conscious throughout the ordeal, communicating with emergency workers. His wife was present at the scene. One firefighter received hospital treatment for an eye injury, but no other rescuers were harmed.
Investigation and reactions
Rome's Prosecutor's Office has launched an inquiry into the collapse. The Torre dei Conti, built by Pope Innocent III as a residence for his brother, had stood abandoned for years despite its proximity to one of Rome's busiest tourist zones. Conservation work was underway at the time of the accident.
Romania's foreign ministry expressed condolences to Stroici's family, stating, "Together with them, we held on to hope until the very last moment." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had earlier shared her sympathies on X, writing, "My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the person currently fighting for his life beneath the rubble, and to his family."
"It was not safe. I just want to go home."
Ottaviano, 67, a worker who escaped uninjured via a balcony, speaking to AFP
Aftermath and precautions
Rome's mayor and Italy's culture minister visited the site, where streets remain cordoned off as a precaution. Authorities have not indicated any immediate risk of further collapse, though the area remains restricted. The tower, separated from the Roman Forum's main visitor zone by Via dei Fori Imperiali, is part of a historic complex that draws millions of tourists annually.
Stroici was one of four workers pulled from the rubble; the others, including another Romanian national, escaped without life-threatening injuries. The tragedy has raised questions about safety protocols for conservation projects on aging structures in high-traffic urban areas.
