Octay Stroici, a 66-year-old Romanian worker trapped for over eleven hours under the rubble of the Torre dei Conti, a stone's throw from the Colosseum, died shortly after being rescued. Firefighters had pulled him out alive after a long and complex rescue operation, but he died shortly after being admitted to the Policlinico Umberto I hospital, suffering from his serious injuries.

The tragedy began yesterday morning, around 11:20 a.m., when part of the medieval structure suddenly collapsed during restoration work. A second collapse, occurring just over an hour later, worsened the situation: amidst the cloud of dust and debris, firefighters continued to work tirelessly to reach the trapped worker. Before retreating due to the danger of further collapse, they had managed to build a makeshift protective barrier around him, made of wooden planks and railings.

Three other workers from the Edilerica company, which specializes in the restoration of historic buildings, were involved in the collapse. Two were unharmed, while a third was taken to San Giovanni Hospital and released that evening. A firefighter was also treated for dust, but his eyes were hit, but he was not seriously injured.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, Prefect Lamberto Giannini, and Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli arrived on site, having been present at the moment of the second collapse.

The Rome Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into disaster and manslaughter. Carabinieri and labor inspectors are interviewing witnesses and technicians to determine the cause of the collapse and verify any irregularities at the construction sites.

Under the umbrellas of the restaurants overlooking the Imperial Forum, transformed into a crisis point, the agonizing wait for rescue unfolded. Stroici, close to retirement, continued to work "on difficult construction sites," according to his colleagues.

(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)