A worker pulled from the wreckage of a medieval tower that partially collapsed in Rome has died, Italian media and officials said.
The Romanian national, according to officials, remained conscious during the lengthy rescue operation before being admitted to hospital.
“Resuscitation efforts took about an hour to save Octave Stroisci,” Italian news agency ANSA said, citing Umberto I hospital.
“Despite this, spontaneous cardiac activity could not be restored” and his “death was declared at 12:20 am (2320 GMT).”
Romania’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday expressed condolences over the death of its citizen.
“Despite the continuous efforts of the medical teams in Rome, Octave Stroisi, who was trapped under debris during restoration work on a historic building, has tragically passed away,” the ministry said on Thursday. It also said that another Romanian worker trapped in the collapse was also successfully rescued and was “out of danger”.
Part of a medieval tower collapsed on Monday in central Rome.
The incident at the historic Torre dei Conti occurred around noon, followed about 90 minutes later by a second partial collapse. The 13th-century tower, located near the Colosseum, was undergoing restoration work at the time.
Three workers who were inside the tower at the time of the collapse managed to escape, one of whom was taken to hospital in critical condition.
Rescue workers carry out complex operations
Rescuers failed to enter the collapsed structure through a first-floor window after the collapse of the second floor sent plumes of smoke into the air, thwarting their attempt.
A follow-up attempt on two stairs also failed, meaning a drone was sent up to get a view of where the worker might be located.
Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini said the operation was complex because “we also have to try to minimize the enormous risks faced by people trying to carry out rescue operations.”
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli were both also present at the scene.
Medieval tower in popular tourist destination
The Torre dei Conti tower is in an area that attracts a large number of tourists, the Imperial Forum is also nearby.
Built during the reign of Pope Innocent III in the 13th century, the tower, which now stands 29 meters (95 ft) high, was once 50–60 meters high.
However, a series of earthquakes in the 14th and 17th centuries damaged the upper floors of the tower, which were forced to be demolished.
Edited by: Zack Crellin