A section of the historic Torre dei Conti, a medieval tower located near Rome’s iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum, collapsed unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, leaving one worker trapped and another critically injured. The incident occurred around 11:30 AM local time (10:30 GMT), sending shockwaves through the city’s bustling tourist district. Firefighters immediately launched a complex rescue operation, with Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini confirming that the trapped individual remained conscious and in communication with rescuers. The tower, which has been closed to the public for years, was undergoing conservation work at the time of the collapse. Shortly after the initial incident, a second section of the 29-meter (90-foot) tower began to crumble, raining bricks and creating a massive dust cloud. Despite the dangerous conditions, firefighters managed to shield the trapped worker from further harm and continued their efforts to free him. Giannini emphasized the prolonged nature of the operation, citing the need to balance rescue efforts with the safety of responders. A police chief assured that the tower is not at imminent risk of complete disintegration. Meanwhile, a 67-year-old worker who escaped unharmed described the scene as unsafe, expressing his desire to return home. Rome’s mayor and Italy’s culture minister visited the site, where a crane and drone are aiding the rescue. The 13th-century tower, originally built by Pope Innocent III for his brother, remains cordoned off as authorities assess the situation.