Investigating the Circumstances and Negligence Claims Following the Fatal Collapse at the Torre dei Conti Site
A worker died after being rescued from beneath the rubble of the Torre dei Conti, a 13th century medieval tower near the Colosseum in Rome, which partially collapsed on Monday during renovation work. The man, a Romanian national named Octay Stroici, was trapped for hours following the initial midday incident and a subsequent partial collapse that complicated the rescue efforts. Despite remaining conscious during the lengthy operation and being extracted and rushed to the hospital in critical condition, he sadly succumbed to his injuries and trauma.
The collapse occurred while workers were carrying out a major renovation project on the historic structure, which is located on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, a busy avenue that runs close to the Imperial Forum and the Colosseum. The Torre dei Conti, originally built for the family of Pope Innocent III, was undergoing an EU funded restoration aimed at converting the old city hall offices into a museum and conference space. The collapse was dramatic, with parts of the 29 meter (95 ft) tower crashing down on at least two occasions and sending thick clouds of dust and debris billowing into the air.
Emergency services, including firefighters, faced a highly complex and dangerous operation to free the trapped worker, with the site continuing to be unstable. Authorities ultimately managed to pull Octay Stroici out late on Monday, but his condition was grave. Another Romanian worker was also hospitalized with serious but not life threatening head injuries, while two other workers suffered minor injuries. Following the fatal accident, the construction site has been seized by authorities, and Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into the collapse for possible charges related to negligent disaster and negligent injuries.
The tragedy has prompted immediate political reactions, with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressing deep sorrow and condolences for the "tragic loss" of Octay Stroici. The incident has cast a spotlight on safety protocols for construction work on historic monuments, despite cultural heritage officials stating that earlier analyses had confirmed the necessary safety conditions for the work to proceed. The Torre dei Conti had suffered damage and partial collapses in the past, notably due to earthquakes in the 14th and 17th centuries, which had led to it being significantly scaled down from its original height.
The partial collapse of a visible and heavily trafficked monument in the heart of Rome, near one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, highlights the challenges of preserving ancient structures while ensuring the safety of those tasked with their restoration. The investigation will focus on determining the exact cause of the collapse and whether proper safety procedures were followed during the multi-year renovation project.