A Romanian worker rescued from the rubble of a partially collapsed medieval tower in central Rome has died from his injuries, Italian media reported on Tuesday.
The victim, identified as Octay Stroici, had been conscious throughout a lengthy rescue effort before being rushed to Umberto I hospital in critical condition.
Despite medical teams’ best efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.
“Resuscitation attempts were made for about an hour to save Octay Stroici,” the Italian news agency ANSA quoted hospital sources as saying. “Unfortunately, spontaneous cardiac activity could not be restored.”
Stroici was part of a renovation crew working on the Torre dei Conti, a 13th-century tower situated near the Imperial Forum and within walking distance of the Colosseum, one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions.
The structure partly gave way around midday on Monday, sending debris and a dense cloud of dust into the air. Three other workers were rescued from the site — one in critical condition — according to fire service officials.
A second section of the tower collapsed roughly an hour and a half later, adding to the chaos.
Authorities said firefighters had erected temporary barriers that shielded Stroici from the worst of the second collapse.
“It was not safe. I just want to go home,” said Ottaviano, a 67-year-old worker who managed to escape from a balcony during the first collapse, his uniform coated in white dust.
The Torre dei Conti, a remnant of medieval Rome, was undergoing restoration funded by the European Union.
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The renovation phase, which began in June 2025 and included asbestos removal, was reportedly nearing completion when the tragedy occurred.
According to Rome’s Directorate of Cultural Heritage, the collapse initially affected a buttress and part of the tower’s base before spreading to its stairwell and roof. The agency said safety checks before the project began had confirmed that “necessary safety conditions” were met.
Meanwhile, a diplomatic spat erupted after Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova appeared to link the accident to Italy’s support for Ukraine. “As long as the Italian government keeps uselessly wasting taxpayers’ money, all of Italy will collapse, from the economy to its towers,” Zakharova posted on Telegram.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned her remarks as “shameful and unacceptable,” summoning Russia’s ambassador in response.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the causes of the collapse as restoration work at the historic site remains suspended.