Historic tower collapse in Rome claims one life

A 66-year-old construction worker, lost his life following the partial collapse of the Torre dei Conti in central Rome on November 3, 2025. The medieval tower, located near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, was undergoing restoration when sections of its masonry gave way at around 10:30 a.m. local time. Rescue teams worked for nearly 11 hours to reach the trapped worker, who was conscious during much of the effort but later went into cardiac arrest after being freed. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead early Tuesday.

Authorities reported that 11 workers were on-site at the time of the first collapse, with three others rescued with the one sustaining head injuries. A second collapse occurred about 90 minutes later during rescue operations, though no firefighters were harmed. Rome’s Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation for manslaughter, negligent disaster, and serious injury. Preliminary reports suggest the tower, closed to the public since 2007, had undergone structural checks before the €7 million EU-funded restoration project began.

Built in the early 13th century under Pope Innocent III, the Torre dei Conti once stood twice its current height before being reduced following past earthquakes. The structure, which had suffered from water infiltration and decay over the years, was being restored to serve as a museum and cultural venue. The incident highlights the complexities and risks of conserving ancient masonry structures, particularly those weakened by time and seismic activity.

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