Part of Torre dei Conti collapses during restoration injuring workers

Part of the medieval Torre dei Conti in central Rome partially collapsed on Monday around 11:30 a.m. while workers were carrying out restoration work, trapping at least one person and injuring others, officials said. Emergency crews mounted a large rescue operation at the site near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, closing pedestrian and vehicular access along Via dei Fori Imperiali to allow responders to work.

Fire department teams rescued three workers from the upper levels of the 13th century tower using ladder trucks and specialist equipment, Rome fire brigade officials said. One worker remained trapped under rubble after the initial fall and was later extracted and taken to hospital; authorities described that person as seriously injured. Two other workers received minor injuries and declined hospital treatment. Fire department spokesman Luca Cari said emergency services were continuing efforts to secure the structure and check for any additional victims.

Responders confronted further instability during the operation when a second partial collapse sent up a cloud of dust and prompted firefighters on ladders to withdraw briefly. A fire brigade statement said, "Firefighters...