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The collapse of a medieval tower in central Rome left rescuers scrambling Monday to reach a stranded worker, the AP reported.
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Counts Tower collapsed during repairs, leaving a worker under the rubble for several hours.
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Another worker, 64, was seriously injured and was in hospital, while three others were safely rescued after the first collapse at midday, fire spokesman Luca Cari said.
Complex rescue operation
The rescue was “very difficult” as the tower continued to collapse and firefighters tried to free the trapped worker through a first-floor window, law enforcement said.
The rescuers were initially on a telescopic ladder, then retreated and made another approach using two ladders. The second attempt was also stopped, and rescuers launched a drone instead.
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As dusk approached, firefighters on cranes pumped debris out of a second-story window using giant pipes.
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The stranded worker was showing “signs of life” and rescuers were able to provide him with some cover during an earlier rescue attempt, according to Rome's chief law enforcement official, Prefect Lamberto Giannini.
“This will be a very long operation,” Giannini told reporters.
“We have to try to save this man while reducing the enormous risks to the people trying to save him.”
Tourists watch rescue efforts
Hundreds of tourists gathered to watch firefighters try to save the situation.
Built in the 13th century and 29 meters high, the Torre dei Conti was built as a residence for the family of Pope Innocent III before being damaged by an earthquake in 1349 and collapsing in the 17th century.
Building, near ColiseumIt once housed City Hall offices but has not been used since 2006, city officials said.
“Firefighters risked their lives in the second collapse. We are worried about the worker who remains trapped,” said Federico Mollicone, chairman of parliament's culture committee.
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