Tragedy in Rome: Worker Dies After Rescue From Collapse of Medieval Torre dei Conti

A dramatic rescue operation in the heart of Rome ended in tragedy late Monday when a worker trapped beneath rubble inside the medieval Torre dei Conti was pulled out alive but died soon after from his injuries.

The victim, identified as Octay Stroici, had been pinned under debris for hours after part of the 13th-century tower collapsed during renovation work. Firefighters battled through unstable rubble and shifting debris in a painstaking effort to reach him. Television footage showed rescuers lowering him on a telescopic ladder and rushing him into an ambulance. At the time, officials said he was conscious and speaking, but his condition quickly deteriorated.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences in a statement after midnight, calling Stroici’s death a “tragic loss” and offering sympathy to his family and colleagues.

The rescue was fraught with danger. Firefighters initially tried to reach Stroici through a first-floor window but were forced back as more of the structure gave way. A drone was deployed to assess the damage, and later cranes and giant suction tubes were used to remove rubble from upper floors. Rome’s prefect Lamberto Giannini described the extraction as “a very delicate operation” that required extreme caution to avoid further collapse.

Three other workers were rescued unharmed shortly after the initial collapse, while another man, aged 64, was hospitalized in critical condition with multiple injuries. No firefighters were hurt during the operation.

The Torre dei Conti, built in 1238 by Pope Innocent III as a residence for his family, has long been a symbol of medieval Rome. The tower has endured centuries of damage, including a devastating earthquake in 1349 and further collapses in the 17th century. The latest incident occurred during ongoing restoration efforts aimed at preserving the historic landmark.

Authorities have secured the site, and prosecutors are expected to investigate whether negligence or safety lapses contributed to the collapse. The tragedy has reignited concerns about the challenges of restoring Rome’s fragile architectural treasures while ensuring the safety of those working to preserve them.