A Tragic End to a Desperate Rescue

A Romanian worker, identified as Octay Stroici, has died in hospital after a lengthy and perilous rescue operation from the rubble of a partially collapsed medieval tower in Rome. The incident occurred on Monday, 3rd November 2025, at the Torre dei Conti, a 13th-century structure located near the iconic Roman Forum and Colosseum. Mr. Stroici was trapped for over ten hours after the tower, which was undergoing extensive renovation, suffered two separate collapses.

The first structural failure happened at approximately 12:30 PM EAT (10:30 AM UK time), with a second, more significant collapse occurring about 90 minutes later while firefighters were actively engaged in rescue efforts. Videos posted on social media showed clouds of dust billowing from the 29-metre (95-foot) tower as masonry crashed down. Firefighters at the scene narrowly escaped injury during the second collapse.

Complex Operation Marred by Further Collapses

The rescue was described by officials as extraordinarily complex. Rome's Prefect, Lamberto Giannini, stated that the operation was prolonged because each time rescuers managed to free a part of Mr. Stroici's body, further collapses would bury him again. Despite the constant danger, emergency services worked tirelessly, eventually extracting him late on Monday evening. Authorities reported he was conscious throughout the ordeal before being rushed to hospital in a critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, with Italian news agency ANSA reporting his death was pronounced at 1:20 AM EAT on Tuesday.

Three other workers were involved in the incident. One other Romanian national was rescued almost immediately and hospitalised with serious but not life-threatening head injuries. Two other workers sustained minor injuries and declined hospital treatment.

Official Response and Investigation

In a statement issued after midnight, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her profound sorrow. “I express deep sorrow and condolences, on behalf of myself and the government, for the tragic loss of Octay Stroici,” she said. “We are close to his family and colleagues at this time of unspeakable suffering.” The Rome Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the incident and seized the construction site to determine the cause of the collapse and to verify if safety regulations were followed.

The Torre dei Conti, built in 1238 by Pope Innocent III, has a history of structural damage from earthquakes in the 14th and 17th centuries. The tower had been closed since 2006 and was undergoing a four-year, EU-funded renovation project scheduled for completion in 2026, intended to convert it into a museum and conference space. Cultural heritage officials noted that structural surveys and load tests had been conducted before the latest phase of work began in June 2025, which had reportedly confirmed the necessary safety conditions.

Global Context: Worker Safety in Construction

While this incident has no direct ties to Kenya, it highlights the universal risks faced by construction workers, particularly those working on ageing and historically significant structures. The tragedy underscores the critical importance of stringent safety standards and oversight in the global construction industry. In Italy, workplace safety is primarily governed by Legislative Decree No. 81 of 2008. Recent changes, under Decree-Law No. 19/2024, are set to introduce a mandatory “points license” for construction companies from October 2024 to enforce stricter compliance with safety regulations. This event in Rome serves as a stark reminder of the human cost when structural integrity fails and will likely intensify scrutiny on the implementation and enforcement of such safety measures worldwide.