Overview
- The 13th‑century tower near the Colosseum suffered at least two partial collapses, the second occurring during a rescue attempt and sending clouds of dust from the windows.
- Firefighters said one worker remains trapped inside and shows signs of life, while another was hospitalized with serious head injuries that officials described as not life‑threatening in some reports.
- Three additional workers were rescued unharmed after the initial collapse, and no firefighters were injured during repeated withdrawals from the unstable structure.
- Rescuers aborted ladder approaches, then deployed a drone, cranes and large suction tubes to remove debris as officials warned the operation would be long due to the risk of further collapses.
- The tower, unused since 2006, is being restored under an EU‑funded, four‑year project due to finish next year; the site is cordoned off as the mayor and culture minister visit and magistrates investigate safety and cause.