In Rome, Italy, firefighters successfully rescued a worker trapped beneath rubble in a medieval tower that partially collapsed during renovation work. Unfortunately, the rescued worker, identified as Octav Stroici, did not survive the trauma and passed away shortly after being extracted.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Octav Stroici and extended condolences to his family and colleagues. The Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the man’s identity and praised the rescuers for their efforts during the 11-hour operation. Another Romanian worker was also rescued and is now safe.
Rescuers faced challenges during the operation, including retreating due to ongoing structural collapses. Despite these obstacles, they continued their painstaking efforts, using a crane and giant tubes to clear rubble from the second-floor window. The rescue operation was described as delicate, with rescuers proceeding cautiously to prevent further collapses.
The Torre dei Conti, a historic tower undergoing an $11.1-million restoration, has been closed since 2007. The recent incident resulted in the death of Octav Stroici and injuries to other workers. Italian prosecutors have initiated an investigation into possible charges related to negligence in the incident.
The tower, initially built in the 13th century, has a rich history of damages and collapses over the centuries. Tourists witnessed the dramatic rescue attempts, which were fraught with challenges as parts of the structure continued to crumble. The ongoing investigation will shed light on the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
