Overview
- A section of the façade gave way late Monday morning near the Roman Forum, and a second, larger collapse followed about two hours later.
- Firefighters used cranes, ladders and drones during an hours-long operation to reach a trapped worker and protect rescuers from further instability.
- Octay Stroici, 66, a Romanian national, was extracted after more than 11 hours and died overnight after arriving at Umberto I hospital in cardiac arrest.
- Three other workers were evacuated earlier, including one reported in critical condition with a head injury.
- Heritage officials say the June 2025 phase, financed largely by EU/PNRR funds and nearing completion, is under review as Italy protests a politicized Russian comment and summons Moscow’s ambassador.