Rescue Efforts Underway After Medieval Tower Partially Collapses in Rome
Firefighters are battling to reach a worker trapped beneath the rubble of a medieval tower that partially collapsed while under renovation in central Rome, critically injuring another colleague in the process. The situation is proving complex, with the structure continuing to give way as rescue teams try to access the trapped worker through a first-floor window.
Rescue efforts were scaled back twice due to concerns about stability and the risk of further collapse. A drone was deployed to assess the situation from above before firefighters attempted another approach on two ladders, which was also aborted. Firefighters eventually employed a crane with giant tubes to suck debris out of the second-floor window as night began to fall.
Three workers were rescued unharmed in the initial midday collapse, but one worker, 64 years old, is reported to be in critical condition and hospitalized. No firefighters have been injured during the operation so far.
Rome's top law enforcement official, Lamberto Giannini, described the situation as "very complex" and stated that there were signs of life from the trapped worker. He also praised firefighters for their bravery, saying they had managed to give him some protective cover during an earlier rescue attempt.
Giannini warned that the operation was likely to be "very long" and emphasized the risks faced by those trying to save the trapped worker. "We must try to save this person while mitigating the enormous risks to the people who are trying to save him," he said.
The Torre dei Conti, which was built in the 13th century as a residence for Pope Innocent III's family, has a history of collapses and damage from earthquakes. The latest incident is likely to have raised concerns about the stability of the tower, particularly given its age and recent renovation work.
Firefighters are battling to reach a worker trapped beneath the rubble of a medieval tower that partially collapsed while under renovation in central Rome, critically injuring another colleague in the process. The situation is proving complex, with the structure continuing to give way as rescue teams try to access the trapped worker through a first-floor window.
Rescue efforts were scaled back twice due to concerns about stability and the risk of further collapse. A drone was deployed to assess the situation from above before firefighters attempted another approach on two ladders, which was also aborted. Firefighters eventually employed a crane with giant tubes to suck debris out of the second-floor window as night began to fall.
Three workers were rescued unharmed in the initial midday collapse, but one worker, 64 years old, is reported to be in critical condition and hospitalized. No firefighters have been injured during the operation so far.
Rome's top law enforcement official, Lamberto Giannini, described the situation as "very complex" and stated that there were signs of life from the trapped worker. He also praised firefighters for their bravery, saying they had managed to give him some protective cover during an earlier rescue attempt.
Giannini warned that the operation was likely to be "very long" and emphasized the risks faced by those trying to save the trapped worker. "We must try to save this person while mitigating the enormous risks to the people who are trying to save him," he said.
The Torre dei Conti, which was built in the 13th century as a residence for Pope Innocent III's family, has a history of collapses and damage from earthquakes. The latest incident is likely to have raised concerns about the stability of the tower, particularly given its age and recent renovation work.
Oh man, this medieval tower collapse in Rome is giving me major anxiety!!! 
I mean, who needs that kind of stress on their day? 
But seriously, can you imagine being trapped beneath all those rubble? 
It's like a nightmare come true! 
The fact that they had to scale back rescue efforts twice due to stability concerns is just crazy... what if the guy was still alive?! 
Giannini said it's likely to be "very long" 
, but I'm sure the firefighters are doing everything they can to save that trapped worker. 
My only thought is to focus on getting him out ASAP and giving those poor guys some well-deserved rest after this ordeal 
this reminds me of all the smart technologies that are supposed to make our lives easier, but sometimes they just end up causing more problems. like what's with these drones? they're supposed to be helping with rescue efforts, but in this case, it's like they're just adding more uncertainty to the situation. and now we've got a crane being used to suck out debris... I mean, can't we just get some good old-fashioned manual labor done instead? 
anyway, hope that trapped worker gets rescued safely 
so glad no one else got hurt in the process 
I mean, this is crazy! Partially collapsing medieval tower in Rome? That's just devastating. Three people are lucky enough to be unharmed, but that one 64-year-old worker is in critical condition... my heart goes out to him and his family. 
just got the news that the medieval tower in Rome partially collapsed 
it's crazy how something so old can still be so fragile and unstable 
gotta feel for the brave firefighters who are risking their lives to save this guy 
It's not exactly rocket science. 
. I'm both relieved and frustrated at the same time... it's a complicated situation, but hopefully, that guy makes it through okay 
. And what's with the age of the tower being used as an excuse? It's like they don't want to take responsibility for their own mistakes 
.
. This isn't just about rescuing a trapped worker; there's a larger agenda at play 
.
I mean, I guess it's not like they didn't know it was old or anything... 13th century, for crying out loud! 
And now some poor worker is trapped under all this rubble... my heart goes out to him and his colleagues. The fact that rescue efforts were scaled back twice due to stability concerns just shows how precarious the situation must be... 