At least one person was injured when parts of the tower suddenly collapsed during renovation work on Monday, the newspaper La Repubblica reported. The person, a 64-year-old worker, has been taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Four workers were rescued after initially being trapped in the upper part of the tower.
During the rescue operation, another section of the tower collapsed – in front of hundreds of shocked tourists who had gathered after the first collapse. A huge cloud of dust rose from the scene and enveloped rescue workers who were on a fire escape.
Another person is reportedly still trapped.
The Torre dei Conti, built in 1238 by the brother of Pope Innocent III, is undergoing renovation work after years of neglect, according to Italian media. The tower is located in the central parts of the Italian capital, near the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
Monday's collapse is being investigated as causing damage due to negligence, writes La Repubblica.
