Tragic Collapse in Rome: Worker Dies After Medieval Tower Fall

Tue Nov 04 2025 13:53:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A tragic incident in Rome sees the death of a worker trapped in the collapse of the Torre dei Conti, a medieval structure near the Roman Forum.

A Romanian worker named Octay Stroici died after being trapped under the rubble of the Torre dei Conti in Rome, which partially collapsed while he was conducting conservation work. Rescue efforts were hampered by danger of additional collapses. Investigations are underway as the incident raises concerns over the safety of historic structures.

A worker who was trapped after part of a medieval tower collapsed in the heart of Rome has died, according to hospital officials.

Octay Stroici was pulled free around 11:00 PM local time, nearly twelve hours after a section of the Torre dei Conti, located near the famous Roman Forum and close to the Colosseum, collapsed, trapping him beneath the debris.

His heart reportedly stopped during transport, and medical staff at the hospital were unable to save him. The Romanian foreign ministry revealed that Stroici was a Romanian national, as was another worker among the multiple individuals rescued from the rubble, one of whom is in critical condition.

The rescue operation was initially celebrated as a remarkable achievement by firefighters, who mobilized late into the night, utilizing drones and specialized equipment to navigate the precarious situation. Despite the obstacles, Stroici was conscious and communicating with rescuers throughout the operation, which his wife witnessed on-site.

Stroici had been engaged in conservation work on the tower, a historically significant structure that had remained vacant and abandoned for many years. In response to the tragedy, the Rome Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into the incident.

The operation to rescue Stroici was interrupted when a second segment of the 29-meter high tower fell, resulting in a cloud of dust and debris. Rome prefect Lamberto Giannini described the situation as very complex, emphasizing the precautions taken to secure Stroici during the rescue. He praised the efforts of the rescue teams for their dedication to protecting themselves and the trapped worker amid risks of further collapse.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences on social media, reinforcing the community's hope for the well-being of those affected.

The Torre dei Conti was built in the 13th century by Pope Innocent III as a residence for his brother, contributing to the historical allure of the Roman Forum, a popular attraction frequently frequented by tourists. Streets surrounding the area have been cordoned off by authorities as a safety precaution.

Another worker who was present during the collapse, 67-year-old Ottaviano, managed to escape unharmed and expressed his concerns over the tower's safety, stating, I just want to go home. Rome's mayor and Italy's culture minister visited the scene to address the situation.