Tragic End for Man Trapped in Ancient Roman Tower Collapse
A man, working on the renovation of a historic tower in the heart of Rome, tragically lost his life after a part of the tower collapsed. The man, identified as Octav Stroici, a 66-year-old Romanian national, was buried under the rubble for almost twelve hours before being freed.
The fatal incident occurred at the Torre dei Conti, located near the world-famous Roman Forum and Colosseum. Tragically, Stroici's heart ceased beating as he was being transported to the hospital, and despite the medical team's best efforts, they couldn't revive him.
Rescue Effort and Condolences
The operation to rescue Stroici was recognized as an extraordinary endeavor, with firefighters working tirelessly into the night. They utilized drones and debris clearing equipment to reach him, despite the looming risk of further collapse of the unstable structure. Throughout this ordeal, Stroici remained conscious and was able to communicate with the rescue personnel. His wife was also present at the scene.
Upon learning about the tragic incident, the Romanian foreign ministry expressed their condolences to Stroici's family, stating that they had held on to hope until the last possible moment. Another Romanian worker was also involved in the incident but was successfully rescued from the wreckage.
Details about the Tower
The Torre dei Conti, close to the bustling Via dei Fori Imperiali and the Roman Forum, one of the city's most popular tourist spots, has been vacant and neglected for many years. Stroici had been engaged in preservation work on this medieval tower when the catastrophe occurred.
Following the incident, local authorities have initiated an investigation.
Challenges Faced During the Rescue
The rescue operation was fraught with difficulties. The first part of the tower collapsed around 11:20, and a second section began to crumble about an hour and a half later, causing chunks of debris to fall and produce a massive dust cloud. This second collapse forced the rescue team to temporarily halt their efforts to free Stroici.
The complexity of the situation was underscored by local officials. After the first collapse, firefighters constructed a protective barrier around Stroici to shield him from the second collapse. The rescue operation was prolonged due to the significant risks posed to the rescuers.
One firefighter was taken to hospital with an eye injury, but no other injuries were reported among the rescue team. Despite the precarious state of the tower, police confirmed that there was no immediate threat of further collapse.
Reaction from the Italian Prime Minister
Italian Prime Minister expressed deep sympathy for Stroici, who was fighting for his life beneath the rubble, as well as his family. The Prime Minister expressed sincere hope for a positive conclusion to this tragic situation.