A devastating Rome tower collapse during renovation work on the 13th-century Torre dei Conti left one man dead after an 11-hour rescue mission, Italian authorities confirmed Monday. Firefighters worked through the night to free Octav Stroici, who was trapped beneath heavy rubble following the structural failure. Despite rescue crews’ tireless efforts, Stroici succumbed to his injuries shortly after being recovered, according to the Associated Press.
The Rome tower collapse occurred as workers restored the historic structure, which once housed Pope Innocent III and his family. Rescue teams initially attempted to reach the victim through a first-floor window but were forced to retreat amid falling debris and fears of another collapse. Efforts using ladders, drones, and cranes continued through the day, with rescuers carefully clearing rubble before reaching Stroici.
Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini told reporters, “The operation lasted a long time because every time a part of the body was freed, there was additional rubble that covered it.” Three workers were rescued without injuries, while another remains hospitalized in critical condition. No firefighters were harmed during the complex operation.
The Torre dei Conti, closed since 2007, was undergoing an $8 million restoration to convert it into a museum. The tower has endured centuries of damage, including a major earthquake in 1349 and a collapse in the 17th century.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences, saying, “We are close to his family and colleagues at this time of unspeakable suffering.” Rome officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse as restoration efforts are suspended pending safety reviews.
